The San Francisco Giants had one game plan as they looked to improve the team after winning the NL West with a 107-55 record in the 2021 season. It seemed like the stars would align as the franchise had a plethora of money to spend in the offseason.
The Giants Strike Out Twice in One Offseason
The NL West Division is a juggernaut when it comes to talent, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres continue to go all-in. Unlike previous years, the Dodgers haven’t spent much on free agency as All-Star shortstop Trea Turner has signed a massive deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
It seemed the Giants were in the position to land star right-fielder/designated hitter Aaron Judge or shortstop Carlos Correa. Bringing back All-Star pitcher Carlos Rodon was always a possibility. The franchise was also taking its time looking to add other talented players to the team.
Everyone believed that the Giants landed Aaron Judge as he is from the Bay Area, but he chose to sign a massive extension with the New York Yankees for nine years and $360 million dollars. The Giants’ odds of winning the World Series went from +2500 back down to +4000.
It was an unfortunate circumstance, but they quickly shifted gears to Carlos Correa. The press conference was all set up as he agreed to a 13-year, $350 million deal. However, the deal was off as an injury report derailed the signing. A solid window was given by Scott Boras and Correa’s camp to re-negotiate, but it was not meant to be.
In shocking news, Correa signed with the New York Mets for 12 years and $315 million. The only reason he would move to 3rd base is so he can play with Francisco Lindor. Mets fans will be able to see the duo do it again in the WBC for Puerto Rico before the regular season.
The Giants Will Have to Battle Hard in the Tough NL West
The Dodgers may be looking towards adding a star at next year’s trade deadline or the offseason. Even though Turner was lost, the Dodgers added players like JD Martinez and Noah Syndergaard.
After striking out a few times on big free agents, the Padres landed their biggest asset in the offseason, which was All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The Padres and Dodgers will most likely fight for the NL West crown through the end of the regular season.
It has been a tough offseason for the Giants, but they landed players like OF Mitch Haniger and SP Sean Manaea. The Giants would lose Rodon to the New York Yankees as he signed for six years and 162 million. Will this fiasco hurt the Giants in the long run, as star-free agents may look to sign elsewhere?
Will These Moves Bring Baseball Back for the Sports Betting Industry?
The summer slowdown was seen in full effect in the months of July and August as the MLB is the only major league in season during that span. In comparison with the NFL and NBA, baseball does not bring in the average betting volume.
The New York Mets have spent a half-billion in payroll going into next season, which includes luxury tax. Both New York teams have arguably the best starting rotation in baseball. When healthy, Jacob deGrom is arguably the best pitcher in the MLB and signed with the Texas Rangers.
Despite losing Cy Young pitcher Justin Verlander, the Houston Astros are still the team to beat. The runner-ups of the Philadelphia Phillies added Trea Turner, Taijuan Walker, and others. Will the numerous states across the industry see a rise in betting volume, especially in July and August?
