Giants general manager Bobby Evans joined Garry and Larry on Thursday morning, and discussed a multitude of topics regarding the offseason and plans for 2017. Evans said that the Giants were not targeting left-fielder Yoenis Cespedes who just signed a lucrative multi-year deal with the Mets, and said the club is not looking to sign any big-name outfielders to muli-year contracts.
“Our focus has never been to go after a multi-year scenario in left field as much as the options are out there,” Evans said. “Our focus has really been to look for depth, give (Mac) Williamson and (Jarrett) Parker a chance to play. We can re-evaluate midseason if we need to do something at the deadline. Again we may find an opportunity on a shorter term basis that can give us some re-enforcement even as the season starts. Presently we’re looking for investment in other areas.”
Evans said that while the team is open to making additions to add depth, that the relatively unproven Parker and Williamson are likely to begin the season as two of the club’s primary outfielders.
“If we open the season with Parker and Williamson I would be comfortable with that,” Evans said. “That said, it doesn’t mean we’re not going to explore other options to give us additional depth or perhaps a more short term scenario. I just don’t want to be in a long term scenario where they’re backed up for two or three years.”
“You’re not a strong organization if you can’t give your young players a chance to play. You’re going to weaken yourself in the long run. You may get some short term strength but some long term weakness. I’m not saying these guys are going to be handed the job, but what they’ve shown with their potential, and potentially with other reinforcements, we’re gonna give them a shot.”
Evans also said Angel Pagan is unlikely to return.
“Again, we’re gonna keep our options open on something shorter term across baseball, but it is a hard fit for us, a guy like him who will probably get a higher multi-year deal.”
Evans would not disclose if the team has made a formal offer to any of the big-name closers on the open market, but said they’ve been in “discussions” both with free agents and in trade scenarios, and that the team will be aggressive in pursuing a late-game option.
You can listen to the full interview below:
