With the free agency period officially beginning on Tuesday, rumors are already starting to swirl regarding who the San Francisco Giants are planning on targeting this offseason.
The two biggest names being tossed around are Chicago Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman and Mets right-handed power hitter Yoenis Cespedes. Each are likely to cost upwards of $100 million, but Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow hopes the club pursues both, telling Murph and Mac on Thursday morning that if they can afford it, the additions would be a no-brainier.
“The ugly is simply the amount you’re going to have to pay him,” Krukow said of Chapman. “You might have to pay between $15-20 million a year for the guy and that’s uncharted territory. Then again you say how good is he? Well I think he’s the best one out there.”
“He is a guy that forecasts durability. If you get him you wouldn’t even hesitate giving him a fifth year and that’s unheard of for a relief pitcher, because of the abuse that your arm takes, but he just looks like he’s built for it.”
The only questions surrounding Chapman have to do with off-the-field issues, as the left-handed flamethrower was suspended for 50 games last season after a domestic violence incident. Krukow says those concerns give both him and the Giants organization pause, but he feels that Chapman should be given the benefit of the doubt based on both the Cubs and Yankees vouching for him, also acknowledging that he doesn’t know much about the incident.
“Two organizations have sworn by the guy saying he’s a good citizen in the clubhouse and that’s really what I’m going by,” Krukow said. “Again, the headlines are sickening and I feel very, very strongly about domestic violence…I would say benefit of the doubt as you move forward. I think there’s enough substance to this human being being a good guy that maybe there was another explanation for it.”
All things considered, does Krukow think the Giants should make him an offer?
“Absolutely.”
Krukow feels the same way about Cespedes, who would immediately become both the Giants’ best power hitter and defensive outfielder if he joined the club.
“Oh I hope they get him,” Krukow said. “I have long watched and admired Cespedes athletically. He fits in any ballpark because of his power. He’s got a great arm. It looked to me like all the Mets players felt he was a good add in the clubhouse and a good guy…I think it’d be a great add.”
Like Chapman, Cespedes would also command an inflated price tag.
“You’re talking about big time price. If you’re locking that guy up you’re going to have an over $100 million player, so that’s what you have to be able to deal with.”
“But yeah, I love the guy.”
Listen to the full interview below.