BURNING QUESTIONS
How will they make up for the loss of Bumgarner?
The Giants are looking to replace former ace Madison Bumgarner in the starting rotation. Without Bumgarner, the Giants have one pitcher on their roster who tallied more than 150 innings last year (Jeff Samardzija). Bumgarner had seven 200-inning seasons in his nine full seasons with the Giants.
Drew Smyly and Kevin Gausman had ERAs of 6.24 and 5.72, respectively, in 2019, but they’ll both have shots at the rotation this year. Both pitchers also improved in the second half of last season.
Johnny Cueto may be the best candidate to pick up the slack in the rotation based on his track record. But at 34, he’s coming off another injury plagued season. He has only made 13 combined starts over the last two seasons.
Who is closing games?
With Will Smith (34 saves last season) now pitching for Atlanta, the Giants will have to find someone else to take up the mantle of closer in 2020.
Reyes Moronta would’ve been the top candidate to replace Smith, but he was placed on the 60-day injured list in early February.
Shaun Anderson (5.44 ERA) and Trevor Gott (4.44 ERA) struggled last year, but they’ll both have plenty of opportunities to make up for it in 2020.
Tony Watson had a down year last season, but in 2018 he had an ERA of 2.59. If he can regain his form, Watson will be one of the few high-leverage options whom San Francisco can turn to this year. He also has pitched in save situations during his career.