Giants latest move might take them out of Carlos Rodon chase

The San Francisco Giants signed Ross Stripling to a two-year contract on Tuesday afternoon. What does this mean for Carlos Rodon?

Expect Carlos Rodon’s market to move rather quickly, especially if the Giants signing Ross Stripling takes them out of the market for a top-of-the-rotation starter.

San Francisco’s rotation is arguably now six deep, which means the need for a player of Rodon’s caliber is gone. For a team like the New York Yankees, which is in desperate need for some starting pitching depth, it’s music to their ears.

Stripling is a fine starter, and he will likely pitch well in San Francisco, where the dimensions can be far kinder to a pitcher than Toronto. He also has plenty of familiarity with the NL West, as he was once a Dodger.

The right-handed pitcher was excellent with the Blue Jays in 2022, as he started 24 games and pitched to a 3.01 ERA and 3.11 FIP, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan points out.

Ross Stripling contract: What does this mean for Giants?

We have to assume that more moves are coming for a San Francisco franchise which has plenty of money to spend. The Giants were in on Aaron Judge until the Yankees retained their star outfielder. They remain a potential suitor for both Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson, though the former would be the only that satisfies a hungry fanbase.

Carlos Rodon, also, remains a possibility. Stripling’s deal is affordable enough that they can bring in Rodon on the rumored seven-year deal that he wants, thus keeping him by the Bay and near the top of their rapidly-improving rotation.

What if the Giants are out on Carlos Rodon?

If the Giants are indeed out on Carlos Rodon, then it opens up his market quite a bit. Rodon remains the best starting pitcher available, and has set his demands at seven years and a significant AAV. The Yankees are just one of many teams that can meet those terms.