There were plenty of free-agent closers for the SF Giants to target this offseason. Adding a high-priced reliever always seemed unlikely, but that well has run dry after Peter Fairbanks has reportedly agreed to join the Miami Marlins on a one-year deal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The well of free-agent closers has run dry for the SF Giants
Edwin DÃaz, Robert Suarez, Raisel Iglesias, Ryan Helsley, and Devin Williams were among the top options available. All of these relievers received multi-year deals, with the exception of Iglesias.
Iglesias returned to the Atlanta Braves on a one-year, $16 million deal. While the Giants were likely not in the market for adding a reliever on a multi-year deal, Iglesias’ deal would have been a nice fit on that roster.
The Giants knew that rebuilding the bullpen was going to be one of the top priorities this offseason. In his end-of-the-year press conference, Buster Posey expressed openness to adding a high-priced reliever. However, he pivoted his response by saying that they would look at smaller moves to build the bullpen as well.
That pivot seemingly highlighted the Giants’ approach to building a bullpen this offseason. They have made a handful of additions, including Sam Hentges, Jason Foley, Gregory Santos, and Reiver Sanmartin. Hentges and Foley were added on major league deals, whereas Santos was signed to a a minor league pact and Sanmartin was claimed off of waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
Looking for bargain deals with relievers is not a bad way to build a bullpen. It is often those moves that have a good return on investment. The 2021 Giants bullpen was one of the best in baseball, and it was put together with low-cost moves and minor league signings.
That said, the Giants still will want someone with experience closing out games. If the season started today, Ryan Walker and Joel Peguero would be competing for the closer role. Walker struggled in that role in 2025, and while Peguero has the premium velocity to pitch late in games, he also does not miss a lot of bats.
There are still a few options remaining. David Robertson and Kirby Yates are both on the older side, and are likely in the market for a one-year deal. Seranthony DomÃnguez could be an intriguing option, but he has below-average control for a role that needs the pitcher to throw strikes.
Who will close out games for the Giants in 2026? They could go with a closer by committee, but they are not flush with options. My bet is on someone who is currently not on the roster, but they are quickly running out of options.