Report: Giants interested in Stroman

The San Francisco Giants are interested in free-agent right-hander Marcus Stroman, FanSided's Robert Murray reported during an appearance on "The Baseball Insiders" podcast.

Stroman became a free agent in November when he opted out of the final year of his contract with the Chicago Cubs. He endured an up-and-down 2023 season in Chicago, finishing his campaign with a 3.95 ERA, 3.58 FIP, and 1.26 WHIP in 27 appearances (25 starts) after a difficult, injury-plagued second half.

However, the 32-year-old was one of the better pitchers in baseball early in the year and earned his second career All-Star berth on the strength of his opening half. Over his first 16 starts of 2023, Stroman posted a 2.28 ERA and 3.33 FIP with 83 strikeouts while holding hitters to a .191 average.

Stroman would bring another solid veteran arm to the Giants' rotation behind ace Logan Webb. He's proven to be a reliable innings-eater over his career, a quality that would fit well on San Francisco's staff. Stroman also has postseason experience from his early years with the Toronto Blue Jays.

With the exception of Webb, last year's NL Cy Young runner-up, San Francisco's rotation was a weak spot in 2023, ranking in the bottom third of the league in total production. Barring additional moves, the team will likely open 2024 with at least two rookies in the rotation.

The Giants have made adding starters a priority this winter and are casting a "wide net" in that search, Murray reports. The club has also been connected to reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell, as well as Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga before he reportedly agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs.

San Francisco acquired one big arm last week by trading for Robbie Ray, but the former AL Cy Young winner is expected to miss the first half of 2024 while recovering from elbow surgery. Right-hander Alex Cobb will also start next season on the injured list following offseason hip surgery.