How SF Giants could benefit from Xander Bogaerts' deal with Padres

In a strange way, Xander Bogaerts' $280 million deal with the Padres could benefit the San Francisco Giants. The Padres got better by signing Bogaerts, but there was belief yesterday that the Boston Red Sox were gaining momentum in an attempt to re-sign him. Had Bogaerts returned to Boston, or gone anywhere other than San Diego, the Padres may have emerged as the favorites for Carlos Correa. Correa, as has been reported by multiple outlets, is the top target of the San Francisco Giants after missing out on Aaron Judge. The Giants were reportedly offered Judge a hefty $40 million per year over nine years, so they would have no problem offering Correa around $30 million per year over a similar number of years (likely a couple more than Judge received).

Some may fear that Correa will shop the Giants' likely aggressive offer, and he will choose to go elsewhere if that team matches, as was the case with Judge. But a closer examination of Correa's market suggests that there may not be a team more willing and able to aggressively bid on Correa than the SF Giants. The Giants' biggest threats appear to be the Twins and Cubs, with the Red Sox also a possibility. Ken Rosenthal reported yesterday that the Dodgers are not pursuing Correa because of the belief that their fans would not accept him after his involvement in the 2017 sign stealing scandal that effectively cheated the Dodgers out of a World Series title.

Farhan Zaidi suggested that the best way for the Giants to improve would be to upgrade the defense, and pointed out that in an ideal world they'll bring in a good defensive center fielder. Brandon Nimmo and Kevin Kiermaier are the top options in free agency, with Nimmo being a much better hitter. Kiermaier is known for elite speed and defense to go along with an average bat, but there have been durability concerns. In addition to an outfielder and middle infielder, the Giants are known to be seeking a starting pitcher and bullpen help, and could look to upgrade the catcher position at some point as well.

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The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

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