Giants Add Pitching, Chase Brendan Donovan—and Why Ketel Marte Doesn’t Add Up
Giants Baseball with Ben KaspickMentioned in this episode
Episode Notes
Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick
In this episode, Ben breaks down a flurry of San Francisco Giants news as the offseason begins to take real shape. From new pitching additions to emerging trade rumors—plus a major Hall of Fame moment—there’s a lot to unpack.
🔹 Giants Signings: Hauser, Foley, and Hentges
The Giants add three arms to a pitching staff with plenty of question marks:
Adrian Houser reportedly agrees to a two-year, $22 million deal, giving the rotation a veteran, ground-ball-heavy arm who raises the floor but doesn’t necessarily move the ceiling.
Jason Foley signs a one-year deal after being non-tendered by Detroit. Foley brings elite ground-ball rates and past closing experience, though he’s expected to miss roughly half of the season due to injury.
Sam Hentges, a left-hander with strikeout ability and velocity, join SF on a one-year deal and is expected to be ready by Opening Day.
Ben digs into what these moves say about the Giants’ pitching philosophy, bullpen construction, and remaining needs, especially after recent departures and injuries.
🔹 Rotation Outlook & What Comes Next
With Logan Webb at the top and uncertainty behind him, the Giants appear far from done:
Robbie Ray’s late-season struggles
The roles of young arms like Landon Roupp, Hayden Birdsong, and others
Why adding “average” pitching still matters
The front office’s stated goal of adding two starters, and who could still be in play
🔹 Giants Named “Frontrunners” for Brendan Donovan
Reports link the Giants to Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan, a versatile, left-handed bat with elite contact skills.
Ben explains:
Why Donovan fits the Giants’ offensive profile
His defensive versatility and platoon splits
Contract status, arbitration outlook, and likely trade cost
How he could slot in as an everyday second baseman — or a super-utility option
🔹 Why a Ketel Marte Trade Feels Unlikely
The Giants are also rumored to have checked in on Ketel Marte, but Ben lays out why this scenario is far less realistic:
Massive contract and team-control considerations
Division-rival trade dynamics
The prospect capital it would likely require
🔹 Jeff Kent Elected to the Hall of Fame
A huge moment for the franchise:
Jeff Kent is elected to the MLB Hall of Fame via committee vote
He’ll almost certainly enter wearing a Giants cap
What this means historically for the organizat
