San Francisco Giants
· 2026-07-09
San Francisco Giants saw right‑hander Gregory Santos elect free agency on July 7, 2026, after the club outrighted him from the 40‑man roster during the Toronto series. The 26‑year‑old reliever declined an outright assignment, making him eligible to sign with any MLB team.
The move came as San Francisco tried to add depth to the bullpen, claiming left‑hander Eric Cerantola off waivers. Santos had appeared in just five innings for the Giants this season, posting a 6.89 ERA and a 11:11 K/BB ratio in Triple‑A Sacramento. His limited impact and the need for fresh arms prompted the front office to clear a roster spot.
Santos debuted with the Giants in 2021 but logged only 5.2 innings across his first two seasons. After stints with Seattle and Chicago, he returned to San Francisco for 2026, again pitching five innings and allowing two earned runs. Over six MLB seasons, he has a 4.14 ERA in 91.1 innings, most of which came during a full campaign with the White Sox in 2023.
With the club sitting 14th in the National League, a 38‑54 record and on a two‑game losing streak, every bullpen decision matters. The loss to Toronto on July 8, 2026, by a 0‑10 margin highlighted the need for reliable late‑inning options. Santos’ departure opens a slot for a pitcher who can contribute immediately, but the team must also consider long‑term depth.
Given his veteran experience and modest contract expectations, several clubs could view Santos as a low‑risk pickup. Teams lacking a steady right‑handed reliever often scout players with his profile. San Francisco may still monitor his progress, hoping he can provide value elsewhere while the Giants continue to shuffle the bullpen.
Manager Gabe Kapler and pitching coach Chris Hatcher will likely rely on younger arms from Sacramento, such as left‑hander Jake McCarthy, while scouting free‑agent markets for a proven bullpen piece. The front office’s recent activity suggests a willingness to experiment, aiming to halt the slide and improve the team’s standing in the NL.
The Giants’ next series will test whether the bullpen adjustments can stem the tide after a rough start to the season and a recent 0‑10 defeat to the Blue Jays.