MLB San Francisco Giants

Top 5 Remaining Free Agents San Francisco Giants Should Target

Top 5 Remaining Free Agents San Francisco Giants Should Target

James Shields MLB Rumors
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants have endured a lackluster offseason, despite filling three crucial roster gaps. The orange and black have repeatedly failed to attract big-name free agents, but efficiently capped their pitching staff by re-signing setup man Sergio Romo and veteran starter Jake Peavy. Despite the enormous influx of revenue the Giants have generated over their stretch as three-time World Champs, their spending habits remain stingy.

5. Asdrubal Cabrera (2B/SS)

Asdrubal Cabrera MLB Rumors
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

5. Asdrubal Cabrera (2B/SS)

Asdrubal Cabrera MLB Rumors
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants had been linked to Asdrubal Cabrera before acquiring Casey McGehee from the Miami Marlins. Cabrera might not have been an appropriate fit at third base, but the Giants could now be in the market for an additional middle infielder, given Marco Scutaro's recent back surgery. The Giants' primary backup infielder, Joaquin Arias, is capable of playing second base, although they could look toward Cabrera as a more suitable fix.

4. Ryan Ludwick (LF)

Ryan Ludwick MLB Rumors
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ryan Ludwick (LF)

Ryan Ludwick MLB Rumors
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Ludwick posted a negative WAR in 2014, but he's a proven veteran who could surely add depth to the Giants' bench. Ludwick, a 12-year-veteran, slashed a .244/.308/.375 batting line with the Cincinnati Reds last season. The 36-year-old outfielder plays above average defense and could form an effective tandem with Gregor Blanco. Ludwick recorded an OPS+ of 93 with 29 extra-base hits and 45 RBIs in 2014.

3. Nori Aoki (LF/RF)

Nori Aoki MLB Rumors
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

3. Nori Aoki (LF/RF)

Nori Aoki MLB Rumors
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Nori Aoki has seldom been mentioned in free agent rumors, but he's possibly the best remaining corner outfield option on the open market. Aoki is free agent eligible for the first time in his big league career, bypassing arbitration. He posted a moderately efficient .710 OPS with 43 RBIs and 17 stolen bases with the American League champion-Kansas City Royals in 2014. Given the Giants' lack of outfield depth, adding Aoki would make sense.

2. Ryan Vogelsong (RHP)

Ryan Vogelsong MLB Rumors
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ryan Vogelsong (RHP)

Ryan Vogelsong MLB Rumors
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants' starting rotation is currently maxed out, assuming Tim Lincecum readopts a starting role. But the Giants could provide themselves some additional insurance by re-signing veteran journeyman Ryan Vogelsong. The 37-year-old hurler posted an 8-13 record with a 4.00 ERA in 2014. His win-loss total is somewhat deceiving, though. The Giants often struggled to supply Vogelsong with run support, especially at home.

1. James Shields (RHP)

James Shields MLB Rumors
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

1. James Shields (RHP)

James Shields MLB Rumors
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants likely won't aggressively pursue James Shields for multiple reasons, but it is a possibility for the orange and black to remain on the cusp of potentially nabbing the former Royals' ace. Shields is reportedly seeking a deal in excess of $ 100 million, which doesn't make sense for the Giants, considering that next offseason's free agent class is flush with top-tier starting pitching.

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