Three potential offseason targets for the San Francisco Giants

While the 2023 season helped address some questions facing the San Francisco Giants' future – including who will take over behind the plate – the club will still head into the offseason intent on making a splash, needing someone to help Logan Webb front the rotation. Here are three potential offseason targets for the Giants.

Sonny Gray, RHP, Minnesota Twins

Expect the Giants to be in the mix on a number of starting pitchers this offseason. Many insiders expect them to make an offer to Shohei Ohtani and they could be in the mix for Yoshinobu Yamamoto or even be a factor in the trade market, depending on what starters are made available. A veteran leader like Gray, however, may prove to be the best fit. 

Gray has been a consistent producer throughout his 11-year career and he's been enjoying another solid season for the Twins. An All-Star this summer, Gray is one of just four players in all of MLB with a sub-3.00 ERA. Often overlooked on a national level, Gray could be among the better starting options once you look past the initial top tier of targets. 

Justin Turner, IF/DH, Boston Red Sox

There are some IFs that have to happen here first. Turner has a $13.4M player option on his deal with Boston and by all accounts has enjoyed his time there. IF he opts to test the open market again, perhaps looking for a contender, then the Giants could be a fit. Of course, that's assuming another IF -- that Turner can put aside his Los Angeles Dodgers loyalties (nine years and more than 1,000 games with the Dodgers) to join the division rival. 

Turner brings veteran leadership to the clubhouse and a reliable bat to the lineup. A career .288/.365/.467 hitter, he would also bring depth at both infield corners while giving manager Gabe Kapler another option at designated hitter. Turner will turn 39 in November and this could be his last chance to win another ring. 

José Leclerc, RHP, Texas Rangers

Barring a trade, the back end of the Giants bullpen should be in good shape with Camilo Doval, Scott Alexander and the Rogers twins, Tyler and Taylor. That shouldn't prevent the club from adding to the middle relief depth in front of the group. Even if they don't bring someone in with the intent of having them pitch in higher leverage situations, there is value in adding an arm with that experience. 

Leclerc looked like a future closer option in Texas at one point, even saving 14 games in 2019. Injuries to his shoulder and elbow kept Leclerc out of action for most of 2020 and all of 2021. Texas hasn't used him in the closer role since his return but the results have been good – a 3.00 ERA and 1.177 WHIP across 96 innings.