Matt Moore’s 2017 season with San Francisco has been less than stellar.
With less than a month remaining in the season, Moore has won just four games. He holds a 5.42 ERA — the highest of the starting rotation, and leads the team in losses with 13. Given the price the Giants gave up to acquire Moore (cue Matt Duffy and top prospect Lucius Fox), he hasn’t come close to performing up to expectations
But regardless of Moore’s struggles, Mike Krukow believes the Giants should should act on Moore’s $7 million team option at the end of the season. Krukow joined Murph & Mac Friday on KNBR, saying that keeping Moore on the roster next year is no question.
“I don’t think it’s a question, I think it’s a slam dunk. I’d want him back,” Krukow said. “We have to keep reminding ourselves he’s young. He’s 28 years old. He missed a whole year with Tommy John. He got to the big leagues too early – he didn’t learn to do all the finer things in the minor leagues like Ty Blach. One of the things you learn if you throw 600 pitches in the minor leagues like Ty Blach did, is you learn how to go out and get people out when you don’t have great stuff. You learn how to make what you have work.”
“I think his best years are ahead of him,” Krukow added. “The ball still comes out of his hand great. He’s a coachable athlete, he’s a bright guy, a great teammate, and I think given his start and a more profound knowledge of mechanics, he’s going to do much better.”
If Giants choose to part ways with Moore next season, they would have to pay him $1 million via a buyout clause in his contract.
Listen to the full podcast below. To hear Krukow on Moore, skip to 1:35.