The Giants aren’t done adding to their 2022 starting rotation, even after signing Anthony DeSclafani to a three-year contract and reportedly nearing a deal to bring back Alex Wood.
One name floated is Steven Matz, who spent six years with the New York Mets before joining Toronto in 2021.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, San Francisco is one of several teams linked to Matz. The Red Sox, Giants, Tigers, Blue Jays, Cubs, Angels, Mets and Cardinals have all shown interest, Heyman reports a deal could be imminent.
Every team needs more starting pitching, and that specific group of clubs include organizations that are expected to be aggressive in the free agent market generally.
Matz, 30, profiles as a mid-rotation starter. His career has been marked by inconsistency; his last year in New York, he posted a 9.68 ERA in nine appearances, but bounced back in 2021 with a 3.82 ERA for Toronto.
Matz underwent Tommy John surgery early in his career and dealt with injuries in 2017, but has been reliable recently. He made 30, 32 and 29 starts in the last three full seasons.
The unrestricted free agent was previously on a one-year, $5.2 million deal. Matz is likely in line for a pay raise. Whether the Giants are the team to cut a check remains to be seen.