Why the SF Giants didn't sign Rhys Hoskins despite making a "late play"

It's easy to read a headline and be disappointed or even angry. "San Francisco Giants made late run at Rhys Hoskins," the headline might read. And of course Hoskins, a native of Northern California, ended up signing with the Brewers and not the Giants. But he was never a great fit, particularly because the type of deal that made the most sense for him—which is the type of deal he got—is one the SF Giants are looking to avoid. Those pesky two-year deals with opt outs that have aggravated the Giants' fan base.

So Hoskins did what was logical for him, and the SF Giants move on. Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle names Matt Chapman as the Giants' "top position player target," although it seems more like speculation based on Farhan Zaidi's stated desire to improve the defense rather than inside information. Chapman indeed makes sense, as he would improve the defense and add a steady presence to the middle of the lineup. But considerations such as blocking Casey Schmitt from getting an opportunity must be taken into consideration.

Blake Snell might just be the best option of all for the SF Giants, however. Imagine Logan Webb and Snell at the top of the rotation. Those two finished second and first, respectively, in NL Cy Young voting last season. The Giants also have several intriguing arms behind Webb already, with Kyle Harrison ready for lift off, flamethrower Jordan Hicks added to the mix, Keaton Winn and Tristan Beck itching for playing time, and Alex Cobb and Robbie Ray waiting to come back after missing time to begin the 2024 season.

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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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