MLB Rumors: Free Agent Slugger "Did Not Want To Play In San Francisco", Rejected Giants Offer

The San Francisco Giants embarked on an ambitious offseason, initially setting their sights on Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and then six-time MLB All-Star JD Martinez to bolster their lineup.

However, Martinez's rejection of their offer, possibly influenced by his previous tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, prompted the Giants to swiftly pivot their attention.

Dodgers Free Agent JD Martinez Reportedly Didn’t Want to Go to Giants, Rejected Their Offer https://t.co/zbQ2JDsqPu #LADodgers #HereToPlay #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/myL45WgzuE

— Ron Bohning (@RonBohning) February 23, 2024

According to Jon Heyman, Martinez "did not want to play in San Francisco", after spending the 2023 season in Los Angeles.

With this third rejection, the team was forced to turn to outfielder Jorge Soler, fresh off an impressive season with the Miami Marlins where he showcased his prowess by clinching the 2021 World Series MVP title.

Soler's signing, secured with a lucrative three-year contract worth $42 million, emerged as a pivotal move for the Giants in their quest to fortify their roster.

Giants make three-year deal with Jorge Soler official.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 18, 2024

Despite Martinez's formidable statistics, Soler's .250 batting average with 36 home runs and 75 RBIs demonstrated his capability to provide a comparable offensive impact.

Despite the acquisition of Soler, this offseason has been full of rejection and disappointment for the Giants.

That being said, the team has also made some nice acquisitions that may have flown under the radar, signing Jung-Hoo Lee, Jordan Hicks, and trading for Robbie Ray. Photo Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports