Before the 2022 season began, the Giants viewed Dominic Leone and Jake McGee as key components of their bullpen.
The front office had reason to believe in the pitchers. McGee recorded a team-high 31 saves and posted a 2.72 ERA in 2021. In a high-leverage role, Leone owned a 1.51 ERA — the best mark among regular bullpen arms.
But neither Leone nor McGee will finish the 2022 season with the Giants. San Francisco placed Leone, 30, on unconditional release waivers Saturday. Poor performance led to McGee’s designation in early July.
The roster missteps are indicative of a bullpen that was baseball’s best in 2021 but has plummeted to the bottom-third this season. Giants relievers currently have a 4.26 combined ERA — 22nd in MLB. Year-over-year relief pitching performance is among the most unpredictable variables in the sport.
Leone, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation Friday, has a 4.01 ERA in 55 appearances this year. He has particularly struggled since July, a stretch in which he lost confidence in himself.
According to NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Alex Pavlovic, manager Gabe Kapler said that the Giants wanted to give other relievers an opportunity to perform in September even if Leone was healthy.
All 29 clubs will have the opportunity to claim Leone, but they would be responsible for the remainder of his contract. If Leone passes through waivers, the Giants can formally release him. Leone is set to hit free agency at the end of the season regardless.
San Francisco will likely need to overhaul its bullpen around closer Camilo Doval with an emphasis on elevating arms with minor league options so they can be more flexible.
