Is The Greatest Postseason Pitcher Ever Going To Be On The Move?
Photo Credit: San Francisco Examiner
So it was reported earlier today that the San Francisco Giants were willing to listen to offers for Madison Bumgarner. Following back to back seasons where the Giants have missed the playoffs and their core of Bumgarner, Posey, Cueto, Belt and Crawford only getting older, some are thinking that it might be time for the Giants to rebuild. Also considering just how tough the NL West is with the Dodgers, Rockies and Diamondbacks all vying for a playoff spot. Bumgarner who has been a cornerstone player for the Giants and in all 3 World Series runs only has 1 year remaining on his incredibly team friendly contract, thus the interest in moving a player of his caliber. If the Giants do move Bumgarner that is essentially the official statement to the rest of the MLB that they’re giving in and rebuilding.
Some of the early suitors that have been mentioned are the Phillies and the Brewers. The Phillies are a young team on the up and are also expected to spend very big in free agency this offseason to make them contenders. The Brewers on the other hand are a team that made big moves last offseason and established themselves as contenders this year losing game 7 of the NLCS. A move to bring in Bumgarner would be big in trying to get over the NLCS hump and into the World Series.
Outside of the Phillies and Brewers the other teams that immediately come to mind are the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees. The Braves have an up and coming team with a loaded farm system. One of the key pieces that their squad is missing is a top of the line starter. I think it would truly be a perfect fit if the two teams could agree on a fair deal considering that it could still be a one year rental. The New York Yankees, despite already adding to their rotation, could still use more pitching. With most dominant home run hitting offense in the league, the Yankees would be smart to add onto their James Paxton addition. Bringing in Bumgarner would solidify the Yanks and probably make them World Series favorites. The only issue with the Giants and Yanks striking a deal is that the Yanks have already dealt their number 1 prospect, for Paxton. And while they have the prospects to put together a good enough package, this might just deplete their farm system (granted most of it has been depleted through promotion to the MLB level).
In the end, If i’m the Giants I’m holding onto Bumgarner and giving it one more go this season. They’ll never receive a package that will truly compensate for what Bumgarner has done for the San Francisco Giants and if they lose him in free agency next year they will receive a draft pick. Ending his tenure at just age 29 could prove to not be the smartest move, while at the same time it could. To me, I feel he has a lot left in the tank and 2 fluke injuries will not have me think otherwise. Regardless of if Bumgarner plays the rest of his career with the Giants or never plays another game, he’s going to be a Giants legend, will probably have his number retired and is on course to become a hall of famer.