A Season Where the San Francisco Giants Were Doubted They Managed to Impress Many Who Watch Baseball
The San Francisco Giants had a phenomenal year in 2021. Finishing the regular season in 1st place in the NL West with an overall record of 107-55. Many analysts believed this team would be at the bottom of the West division. Not only did they debunk the prediction they also put up tremendous numbers.
The offense would score 804 runs while the pitching staff would surrender 594 runs. This is a differential of +210 which only trails the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants would earn the No. 1 overall seed in the NL and would take on the Dodgers in the National League Divisional round. The result would not favor the Giants and it ended controversially.
Giant’s 2021 Season Overview
The Giants’ offense was potent this season. This offense ranked 5th in runs scored. They ranked 6th in total hits, 11th in doubles, 8th in triples, 2nd in home runs, and 6th in RBI. With this type of performance, you expect to win baseball games. The pitching staff performed very similar to the offense and was towards the top in most categories. Giants were 2nd in team ERA, and tied for 1st in saves.
They were 8th in hits with 1,254 and were 2nd in runs allowed only surrendering 594. Compared to the Baltimore Orioles who allowed 956 runs. This Giants pitching staff gave up the least home runs, only allowing 151. When you pair this pitching staff to the performance of the offense you can see why this was a phenomenal baseball team.
Heartbreaking end to a historic season. An NL West crown, a franchise wins record, and much more. We’re so proud of this #ResilientSF team, and we couldn’t have gotten this far without the fierce spirit and loyalty of you, the fans. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! pic.twitter.com/MrgqJTJ5Xd
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) October 15, 2021
Brandon Crawford
The Giants had some tremendous play from some of their key players. One player that stood out was shortstop Brandon Crawford. He played in 139 games, coming to the plate 483 times. He whad 144 hits, which resulted in 30 doubles, 3 triples, and 24 home runs to go with 90 RBI. His batting average would end up at .298. To take it a step further according to Fangraphs his fWAR this season was 5.5, his UBR was -1.5, but his wOBA was .377 and his wRC+ was 139. Crawford had a great year for the Giants.
BRANDON. CRAWFORD.
WOW. pic.twitter.com/3Of6RmjwlD
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) October 12, 2021
Logan Webb
Logan Webb pitched very well for this pitching staff in 2021. He was drafted by the Giants in 2014 in the 4th round of the MLB Draft. An impressive debut came on August 17th, 2019 when he would face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks, throwing 5 innings surrendering 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 earned run. He would strike out 7 Diamondback hitters and get the victory. Fast forward to 2021 in which he posted an 11-3 record.
He started 26 games, throwing 148.1 Innings, striking out 158. According to Fangraphs, his K/9 was 9.59, his WHIP was 1.11, a BABIP of .309, and an FIP of 2.72. If Webb can continue to post numbers like this he will be a very good pitcher for the Giants for many years.
Logan Webb. Over the next five years, I predict him to be a top 5/top 10 pitcher in the game. His arsenal of pitches will be able to get outs forever. Movement and pitchability are more important than velocity…especially over the course of an entire career. Bet heavy on Webb!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) October 15, 2021
A Key Trade In July of 2021
On July 30th, 2021 the San Francisco Giants would acquire Kris Bryant from the Chicago Cubs. This was a blockbuster trade for the Giants who would send Alexander Canario and Caleb Killan to the Cubs.
Bryant came to the plate 187 times getting 49 hits with 13 doubles and 7 home runs for the Giants. He would also post 22 RBI. In the postseason, he was even more clutch, coming to the plate 17 times, getting 8 base hits, 1 double, 1 home run, 2 RBI, and a batting average of .471. He had a .340 wOBA and a wRC+ of 115.
The 2021-2022 Offseason
The Giants are looking to recharge and head into the 2022 season ready to compete. The team will have to make some decisions on starting pitcher Johnny Cueto and catcher Buster Posey. Cueto will be turning 36 and has a club option for $22,000,000. Posey who has been a staple for the Giants will be turning 35 and has a club option for $22,000,000.
A major free agent will be Kris Bryant. The question is will Kris Bryant want to return to the Giants or take his talents back to Chicago. Bryant, a long time Cub, was emotional when he was traded by the organization. The front office will look to add to the starting pitching rotation as well as the bullpen.
In the end, this Giants team had an outstanding season, and with the offseason just beginning they will look to regroup, and start fresh in 2022.
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