Giants Sign Veteran Left-Hander

The San Francisco Giants have already compiled a very solid starting rotation this offseason, but they're not done yet. Adding to the depth of their staff, the Giants have signed veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd. 

Matthew Boyd is the 5th starting pitcher signed or re-signed by the Giants this off-season, following DeSclafani, Wood, Cobb and Rodon. They suddenly look deep in the rotation. https://t.co/4TwF3qHg5X

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 17, 2022

The 31-year-old has spent virtually his entire 8-year career with the Detroit Tigers, where he's shown flashes of promise, but overall, has not been able to put together a strong full season. The Giants are hoping to help him get there. 

Boyd has signed a $5.2M contract, and could earn another $2.3M in incentives. He'll be out for the first couple of months of the season, after undergoing surgery last September for a torn flexor tendon. 

He's known as "an analytics darling", according to MLB Radio's Steve Phillips, because he's shown strong strikeout ability (11.6 K/9 in the 2019 season). The problem, however, has been the gopher ball. He led the league in surrendering home runs in both 2019 and 2020. Perhaps a move to one of the toughest ballparks to hit HRs may help. 

For his career, Boyd has a 4.96 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 8.7 K/9.

Photo Credit:  David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports