The San Francisco Giants need a star. And they've been trying desperately for years to land one.
In 2022, they pursued Northern California native Aaron Judge to no avail, then nearly signed Carlos Correa, just to eventually balk at the shortstop's medical records. Then, in 2023, they chased after the game's biggest star, Shohei Ohtani, and were quickly rebuffed.
It's been a rough go for the Giants, who are scratching and clawing to avoid missing the playoffs for a third straight season. Though their starting pitching has been strong in the second half, they're missing a game-changing power bat in the middle of their order.
In 2025, one of the best power bats in the game is available in free agency. And one insider believes the Giants will once again try to get in the mix.
On Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com ranked the Giants among his top free-agent destinations for New York Yankees superstar Juan Soto in 2025.
"It’s extremely rare for a player of Soto’s caliber to reach free agency before his age-26 season, making the four-time All-Star a bit of a Hot Stove unicorn," Feinsand said. "Soto’s price tag should be (high), with most industry insiders projecting a deal of at least 10 years and $500 million."
Soto, 25, is on the fast track to becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He already has 903 hits, 195 home runs, and a .958 career OPS. On Tuesday night, he hit his 35th home run of the season, tying his career-high with over a month still to play.
The question for the Giants is not whether Soto would make a good fit in San Francisco. It's whether or not they are willing to pay the exorbitant price tag Feinsand references--plus, whether they can convince Soto to come to the Bay Area in the first place.
Though Soto hit two home runs in the three games he played in Oracle Park earlier this season, there's no doubt free-agent hitters hesitate when considering coming to play for the Giants.
New York Mets slugger J.D. Martinez was honest about it earlier this season, saying the notorious pitcher's park wasn't a good fit for his swing. And Soto will play the majority of his career for his next team, so the ballpark environment could be hugely influential in his decision.
If the Giants can land Soto, it would change the outlook of their franchise. He'd be the best hitter they've had since Barry Bonds. But they've got lots of work to do to make sure the Yankees star ends up wearing orange and black.
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