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MLB Hot Stove: 5 potential free agent targets for the San Francisco Giants

By Dave Stevenson

Aug 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; General view of a San Francisco Giants hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; General view of a San Francisco Giants hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning in the National League Wild Card playoff baseball game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Dexter Fowler

If the Giants pursue a free agent outfielder, the safer bet would be for them to pursue a center fielder. Both of the Giants 2016 center field options (Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco) are free agents after the 2016 season. The 2016 free agent class isn’t any better than the 2015 class. Why not fix what will be a hole after 2016 a year early?

Fowler is definitely an upgrade over Pagan. Blanco had a .781 OPS in 2015 while Fowler had a .757 OPS in 2015. Fowler has been better over the course of his career than Blanco. Fowler’s career OPS is .781 while Blanco’s is just .701. They are both good in center field. Fowler has more experience in center field than Blanco though Fowler hasn’t navigated the spacious center field of AT&T Park like Blanco has.

Fowler will be turning 30 years old in March. He likely still has at least three or four productive years left in him. It would make a ton of sense for the Giants to sign him to a three or four-year contract now. Fowler’s a guy who you don’t REALLY want to give up a draft pick for, but the Giants don’t really have any better options unless they make a trade. The Giants will likely suck it up and lose a pick to shore up center field for the next three to four seasons.

Fowler is a well-rounded player who would be a pretty good fit for the Giants.

Next: Johnny Cueto

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