ORLANDO, Fla. – The action was minimal and spread out during 2025’s Winter Meetings at the Signia Hotel, with the Dodgers scooping up another big prize – top free-agent closer Edwin Diaz – the Mets losing Pete Alonso to the Orioles and the Phillies bringing back Kyle Schwarber, who was vaguely connected with the San Francisco Giants at one point.
There are plenty of vague Giants connections so far this offseason, especially given the team’s multiple needs: an outfielder, two starters, a closer. They’ve made so little news this week, however, they didn’t announce their coaching staff, which appears to be complete but with some roles still getting nailed down. They did add one option for backup catcher, trading for Daniel Susac, younger brother of former Giants catcher Andrew Susac, after the Twins had picked him out of the A’s organization in the Rule 5 draft on Wednesday.
San Francisco also, perhaps, has sent some mixed messages: owner Greg Johnson told the Chronicle last month that nine-figure deals and long-term deals aren’t something the team is really eager to do, but according to agents, president of baseball operations and GM Zack Minasian have checked in on many of the top free-agent starters and at least one pricey outfielder, Cody Bellinger.
There’s no disconnect there, however: Buster Posey said that he feels when he takes a deal that will make the Giants better to ownership, they have been nothing but supportive.
General manager Zack Minasian said Wednesday he believes the Giants have laid the groundwork for some things they’d like to do as far as free agents and possible trades.
“I don’t know if there was much more that we could do as far as conversations, meetings,” he said. “I feel like some things are heading in the right direction.
“It’s tough to handicap when a deal is going to get done, but we try to put our best foot forward, and think we’ve shown we’re willing to be aggressive. And, you know, some things, we’re still working on, some things we feel like maybe there’s a path. So we’ll see where it goes.”
The fact that the Giants are engaging with agents about significant free agents – Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, Bellinger – should be an encouraging sign for fans, and there’s nothing wrong with casting a wide net, but a cautious approach potentially could cost the team a target or two if other clubs act quickly. The market does appear to be heating up for position players: With Alonso gone, the Mets are expected to turn their deep-pocketed attention to Bellinger, for instance. If Bellinger is off the table, Harrison Bader might be the next option among free agents.
One agent who has spoken to the Giants about a handful of players said Wednesday that he’s under the impression that the team could fill some spots in the next two weeks – and that’s going to be the norm around baseball. Most clubs were on the sidelines in Orlando, meeting with agents, analyzing possibilities, breaking down needs – laying the groundwork for moves before the end of the month.
“It’s tough to say,” Minasian said of timing deals. “I think the motivation on our end is there to do it. It’s just difficult because it always takes the other side, whether that’s a team or an agent, but certainly we’re motivated to move. And we’re not necessarily the type to wait if we feel like there’s something that makes sense for the organization.”
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