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The San Francisco Giants went on a terrific run in their 2021 campaign as one of the best underdog teams in the regular season with 107 wins. Even before they added Kris Bryant to the roster, San Francisco was already a force to be reckoned with because of their impeccable pitching and defense. Offense was still lacking as proven in their unfortunate elimination against the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series (NLDS).
Due to the Giants' impressive performance, the value of their free agents increased immensely, which forced them to scour the market as well to find viable replacements. Shockingly, 2012 NL MVP Buster Posey retired in the offseason, so manager Gabe Kapler will have a plethora of challenges to overcome, especially with the division-rival Dodgers retooling their lineup by adding superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman. With Opening Day a few weeks away, these are four bold predictions for the Giants 2022 campaign.
4 bold San Francisco Giants predictions
Pitching will still be their best asset
Even during the three World Series crowns of the Giants in the 2010s, it was the rotation and bullpen of San Francisco that catapulted them to the mountaintop. Kevin Gausman was arguably one of the gems and most improved pitchers last season, but he was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays to a massive deal. Logan Webb will remain as the number one starter in San Francisco as the other pieces will remain intact for Kapler.
Carlos Rodon was signed as the replacement to Gausman as he will likely be behind Webb in the rotation. Moreover, Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Wood are back for another deal with the Giants. The starters will consistently produce for the Giants, but their bullpen will still be a force with Jake McGee likely to be named the Opening Day closer and Tyler Rodgers as one of the most reliable setup men in the MLB. Kapler is known to utilize a ton of his bullpen guys, and that does not look to change for this upcoming season.
LaMonte Wade Jr. will elevate to another level
In such a young career for this man, LaMonte Wade Jr. was the crowd darling at the Oracle Park last year because of his ability to emerge during late-inning situations. After being called up in the middle of April, he was an instant revelation with the mix of his speed and power. He started on the bottom of the batting order, but he left no reason for Kapler to expand his role as a table setter or a lethal weapon to drive in runs.
Approaching his second season in the majors, Wade Jr. will be tasked to elevate his production to a higher level if the Giants will be a legitimate contender once again. The departure of Posey and Bryant does not only put a dent on their home run and RBI numbers, but also their leadership and influence in the clubhouse. Some of their key cogs like Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt, and Mike Yastrzemski are still on the squad, but Wade Jr. is still one of the unnoticed but terrific contributors of the Giants.
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This is the year Joey Bart sticks in the majors
After selecting Joey Bart second overall in the 2018 Draft, the process of him having a major role with the Giants is fast-tracked because of the sudden retirement of Posey. He only appeared in two games last year, but he may need to be the starting catcher in Opening Day for San Francisco. Certain youngsters across the league like Will Smith have blossomed to an everyday catcher already, but the patience with Bart must be exercised.
Bart is still searching for his niche as he surely feels the pressure of replacing a fantastic catcher in Posey. Curt Casali could still be called up as a respectable veteran behind the plate, but Bart is the future catcher of Kapler and the Giants. Defense is the fabulous asset of Posey wherein Bart may feel the pressure instantly, but he must realize that having that mentality of having constant progress in producing offensively and defensively is the most important aspect of his development.
The Giants will bolster their batting once again
Ironically, Joc Pederson was the Giants killer when he was suiting up for L.A. at the early juncture for his career, but he has recently signed a new deal with San Francisco. This adds another left handed power hitter, along with Crawford, Belt, and Wade Jr. The versatility of the Giants is what catches opponents off-guard, so it does not seem far-fetched for them to add another infielder to bolster their depth.
They seem set in stone for most positions already, but having a more proven second baseman than Tommy La Stella or Wilmer Flores would be a brilliant signing for the Giants. Currently, Trevor Story and Carlos Correa are two talented infielders still on the market, but it seems unlikely for them to sign with the Giants. Thus, there is no doubt for the front office to pursue an underrated asset who would contribute from the onset or wait for the trade deadline once again before pouncing on a chance to acquire a star-studded similar to Bryant last season.
