MLB Rumors: Giants Linked To Two Free Agent Center Fielders

 

It's well-known that the San Francisco Giants are the biggest threat to steal MVP Aaron Judge from the New York Yankees. But the team is angling to reel in two outfielders this offseason and according to a new report have Brandon Nimmo and Cody Bellinger also on their radar. 

NEWS: According to @susanslusser, the San Francisco #Giants have shown interest in Brandon Nimmo. #LGM pic.twitter.com/9KUroNMtZ4

— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) November 21, 2022

Susan Slusser of the San Franciso Chronicle reports that the Giants' outfield defense left a lot to be desired this past season, with a minus-44 Defensive Runs Saved being by far the worst in the majors. They used no less than 10 different bodies in center field, none of them with much success.

Nimmo and Bellinger are both well above average center fielders, and would be a huge boon to the Giants' defense in the outfield. 

Nimmo's price tag has been skyrocketing of late, as he garners more and more interest on the market. His career .385 on-base percentage is one of the best in all of baseball and his career .827 OPS is more than solid as well. He's now expected to be able to command a long-term deal worth well over $100M, even as much as $130M or more. Whether the Giants can afford to potentially give their No. 1 target Judge $300M+ as well as handing out another deal worth nearly half that remains to be seen.

Bellinger, from the Giants' bitter rival Los Angeles Dodgers, will come much cheaper. He's coming off of two dreadful years in which posted the lowest combined OPS (.611) of any qualified hitter in baseball. His agent, Scott Boras, has already discussed what kind of term he'll be seeking for the 27-year-old former MVP. 

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