Bumgarner on if he’s savoring his time with Bochy and #SFGiants: “For sure. I’d be lying to you if I said I all that hadn’t crossed my mind.” pic.twitter.com/u4N2AzrVUh
— KNBR (@KNBR) March 28, 2019
SAN DIEGO – While the Giants lost their first game of the season, it came at no fault of Madison Bumgarner. He came into this season healthy, and pitched a seven inning gem today that featured nine strikeouts and just two earned runs.
It was the type of performance that has defined Bumgarner’s career despite some struggles with control last year. It kicked off a season which will be Bruce Bochy’s last, and could be Bumgarner’s last with the Giants. The last year of his 5-year, $35 million contract which featured an additional two years of $12 million club options. This year is the last of those two club options, and for a pitcher of Bumgarner’s caliber, and considering the salaries which free agents have commanded, it’s clear he’s underpaid.
The Giants’ status an unlikely contender and Bumgarner’s expiring contract have created fertile soil for speculation that he may be traded. With that, and Bochy’s impending retirement in mind, Bumgarner said he’s thought about the reality that this season could mark the end of an era with the Giants.
“For sure,” Bumgarner said. “I’d be lying to you if I said all that hadn’t crossed my mind.”
For more Giants videos click here.
