Aug 15, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Alex Wood (57) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
If the San Francisco Giants have an earlier than expected playoff exit, these three players likely won’t return for the 2022 season.
Every season, there is a surprise team that rises up to the top of the standings. In 2021, that is the San Francisco Giants, who missed out on the postseason last year in the final game of the 60-game truncated campaign. Now, as of this writing, they sit atop the not just the NL West standings or the National League standings, but they are the first team in the majors to reach 80-wins this season.
The Giants certainly seem to have the momentum heading into the final month-plus of the season. However, there is always the chance that their run in the postseason ends earlier than they anticipated. Regardless of the end result of the 2021 season, these three players may not return to the Giants in 2022.
3.
Alex Wood
SP San Francisco Giants
San Francisco looked to bolster their rotation this past offseason, and brought in Alex Wood on a one-year contract worth $3 million. For the most part, it has been a bit of an up-and-down season for the left-handed pitcher.
While Wood does carries a 10-4 win-loss record, he does hold a cumulative ERA of 4.11. A strong first two months to the season were essentially nullified by Wood due to holding a 6.94 ERA through five starts in June. In August (thus far), Wood holds a 5.40 ERA through four starts.
Wood is set to hit free agency this winter, and if the season ends earlier than expected for the Giants, they may very well look elsewhere for help in the starting rotation.