San Francisco Giants Sign Kevin Gausman

The San Francisco Giants signed pitcher Kevin Gausman to a one year contract worth nine million dollars guaranteed. Gausman will also get an additional 250 K for 18,22,26 and 30 starts.

Gausman (SFGiants): $9M guaranteed, and $250k for 18, 22, 26, 30 starts

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2019

Kevin Gausman’s Career

Gausman 28, is a right-handed starting pitcher who has appeared in 191 games with three teams in his seven-year career. Gausman has made 154 starts and has a record of 47-63 with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.344 WHIP. In 925 innings pitched Gausman has struck out 855 batters.

Gausman spent his first five full seasons as a member of the Baltimore Orioles. Gausman was traded to the Atlanta Braves midway through his sixth season in Baltimore. The Braves released Gausman in August of the 2019 season and Gausman was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds. Gausman was once a top prospect in the Orioles organization but has failed to pitch consistently well.

Giant-Sized Problem

The San Francisco Giants resisted the urge to trade away valuable free agent to be pitchers Madison Bumgarner and Will Smith at the trading deadline this past season. A late run leading up to the deadline convinced the Giants to not sell off their top assets and make a run at a Wild Card birth. That decision proved to be foolish as the Giants quickly fell out of the race.

Smith has signed with the Braves and Bumgarner is currently fielding offers from other teams. It does appear that his Giants tenure may be over. So where do the Giant go from here?

The Giants are among the oldest teams in baseball. But the past decade was still very successful with three world series titles. With several of their regular players now in their 30’s the Giants could use a rebuild. With over 100 million in contracts to six players over the age of 30 that is further proof the Giants need a big infusion of youth.

Giants Outlook

Playing in a division with the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers the Giants really have little to no chance of being competitive in 2020. The Giants should be trying to deal off their high priced players for prospects and maybe this season will finally be the time this happens.