The Giants added even more depth to their starting rotation late Wednesday night by signing left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd to a short-term deal according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Boyd, 31, is coming off a career-best year for the Tigers in which he posted a 3.89 ERA in 15 starts. The veteran is signing a one-year contract worth up to $7.5 million — including $2.3 million in incentives — per Heyman.
Boyd joins a San Francisco rotation that already boasts Logan Webb, Carlos Rodón, Anthony DeSclafani, Alex Wood and Alex Cobb. He evens out their handedness to three righties and three lefties.
Carlos Martínez, Jakob Junis, Sean Hjelle, Sammy Long and Tyler Beede could also compete for roles on the staff.
The Giants don’t approach the rotation as five arms, but rather 162 games started. Getting more quality starts, no matter how many different pitchers they come from, is the goal.
With Boyd, San Francisco is getting another pitcher with significant injury concerns. He underwent flexor tendon surgery in late August, which can carry a recovery time of approximately nine months. That would peg the Seattle native for a return around June.
At his best, Boyd is a pitch-to-contact hurler who limits barrels with an array of offerings. His success of last season coincided with an increased usage in his changeup. He also has a slider, curve and sinker in his bag.
The incentives in Boyd’s contract will likely relate to the amount of innings he can pitch. The Giants would be thrilled if he can be effective and clear whatever benchmarks earn him an extra couple million.
