Another new pitcher

"Stockpile starters" is a winning strategy in my book and the Giants have made another step in that direction. It isn't sexy or flashy, but it's solid, and the Giants need lots of solid. 31-year old free agent righty Tyler Mahle is signing a one-year deal with the club, it seems. No word on dollars yet. You may remember him from his time with the Reds (2017-2022). He was last with the Rangers so perhaps Ol' Boch recommended him.

The Giants aren't going to sign Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez or any of the front-line free agents. They are going to make some moves around the margins. They will exceed last year's payroll but be well under the tax threshold. I suspect the bean-counters are going to hold the line. We'll have to wait for Spring Training to see if any of the stocking-stuffers emerge as studs because we didn't get any big, shiny presents to open.

Happy New Year, everyone! And remember: "In Buster We Trust(er)."

--M.C.

New pitchers

The Giants signed veteran righty starter Adrian Houser for two years and $22M. He's a ground ball pitcher and had a strong showing last year after a poor season just before that. He's not the flashy ace-type we all covet but he'll add some experience. The Giants also signed righty reliever Jason Foley who is recovering from shoulder surgery. He'll be ready, it seems, by mid-season. Foley was a late inning type in Detroit and even had 28 saves in 2024.

Not very exciting stuff but I'm still going with "In Buster We Trust(er)" as my motto for 2026. 

--M.C.