The San Francisco Giants are in position to spend in free agency this offseason and players like Zack Greinke, Justin Upton, Johnny Cueto, Alex Gordon, Yoenis Cespedes and Jeff Samardzija could be potential targets. The team has signed Brandon Crawford to an extension this offseason and things could heat up for the team at the winter meetings.
The Giants have been mentioned quite a bit in connection with the top free agent pitchers on the market, as the team reportedly wants another strong starter next to Madison Bumgarner in the rotation. According to Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, the team is interested in Zack Greinke and they would love to sign him away from the rival Dodgers. The Giants missed the playoffs last season and that could spark some spending from San Francisco as they try to get back to the postseason.
Heyman writes that the team already has $120 million committed to players for next season and that the team could be willing to get near $200 million in payroll for the 2016 season. Heyman writes that the team has been connected to outfielders like Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton and Alex Gordon along with pitchers like Greinke and David Price. Greinke looks like a more realistic option than Price, as Price has reportedly been considering a return to Toronto.
Jim Bowden at ESPN reports that Greinke could command a deal that pays him around $30 million per season and while that is a ton of money, the Giants may feel it's worth it for a Cy Young-caliber pitcher. Jerry Crasnick at ESPN reports that the Greinke market is "quietly heating up" and that the Dodgers and Giants are prime options. Johnny Cueto also could be an option, as he is looking for a major deal and could cost around $150 million for his contract. According to Steve Gilbert, Cueto was offered a 6-year, $120 million deal from the Diamondbacks, but rejected the offer.
According to ESPN.com, the Dodgers have needs in the outfield and they could consider a big contract for someone like Upton, Cespedes or Gordon. The team also could go for one of the second tier options on the market like Denard Span or Gerardo Parra.
The Giants made a move to keep their shortstop in Brandon Crawford for the long term, as the team signed Crawford to a six-year extension worth $75 million. Crawford has been one of the best shortstops in the NL over the past couple seasons and he won a Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger award this year for the Giants. Crawford put up strong numbers last season while hitting .256 with 21 home runs and 84 RBI and he was also named to the All-Star team. Crawford is a durable player and has played in at least 140 games in each of the past four years.
