MLB Rumors: San Francisco Giants Might Have The Ultimate Backup Plan For Tatsuya Imai
The San Francisco Giants emerged as a probable destination for Tatsuya Imai, as a move to the Los Angeles Dodgers is no longer on the cards. But judging by recent reports, the Giants are not willing to pursue the Japanese free agent either. The 28-year-old pitcher understandably desires a premium long-term contract. However, the Giants’ front office, headed by Buster Posey, is allegedly not willing to hand out a nine-figure deal.
As per Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle, Zac Gallen has become their primary target in the free agent market for starting pitchers. Slusser confirmed that the two parties are currently having discussions over a deal. She feels the San Francisco Giants don’t require an elite starter with Logan Webb and Robbie Ray at the top of their rotation. So, with his vast experience in the National League West, adding Gallen to their rotation will be a shrewd move.
“I know this beyond a reasonable doubt; they have talked to Zac Gallen,” Slusser said on the Splash Hit Territory podcast this Tuesday. “He’s been a thorn in the Giants’ side. He’s a guy that they could add on, not a long-term deal.”
“Very good middle-of-the-order guy, but knows the NL West,” she added. “When you’ve got Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and you’ve got some kids coming, I don’t know if you need another frontline starter.”
#SFGiants UPDATE:
— SF Giants Update (@Giants__Update) December 1, 2025
The Giants are “not inclined to spend what it takes” to sign Japanese start Tatsuya Imai, according to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic.
The team will instead focus on cheaper options. pic.twitter.com/BAFcb0rzHl
Gallen spent seven years in the NL West with the Arizona Diamondbacks since getting traded from the Miami Marlins in 2019. The 30-year-old right-hander was an All-Star in 2023 and finished third in the Cy Young race that year. He had a dismal 2025 season, finishing with a 13-15 record and a 4.83 ERA. Nevertheless, durability remains one of his strengths, having posted over 180 innings in three of the past four seasons.
MLB Insider Lists Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, Merrill Kelly As Good Fits For The San Francisco Giants
Susan Slusser named Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, and Merrill Kelly as the other possible targets for the San Francisco Giants. She feels each could fill the gap in their rotation, and the Giants need not pay a hefty price.
“I’d love to have Freddy Peralta and Joe Ryan. Absolutely,” she said. “I really don’t think you’ve got to go and get Imai. I really don’t.”
“Merrill Kelly has destroyed the San Francisco Giants in previous years and knows the NL West. These aren’t necessarily the sexiest names.”
“I know this beyond a reasonable doubt, they have talked to Zac Gallen.”
— Splash Hit Territory (@SplashHitPod) December 2, 2025
@SusanSlusser breaks down where the Giants stand so far in the offseason. pic.twitter.com/UN9kpgOn8h
Peralta became a free agent after the Milwaukee Brewers declined his $8 million option for 2026. Meanwhile, Kelly was traded to the Texas Rangers by the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline before reaching free agency. On the other hand, Joe Ryan has two years of club control remaining with the Minnesota Twins after earning his maiden All-Star selection this year.
MLB Rumors: San Francisco Giants Might Have The Ultimate Backup Plan For Tatsuya Imai
News Daily Reports
No comments: