SAN FRANCISCO - This is the time of year when fans of all MLB teams have the same question.
When are you guys going to do something?
A few teams - most notably the Yankees and Braves - have made significant moves, but the hot stove has mostly been on a low simmer. The Giants haven't yet made their first major move of the Farhan Zaidi Era, but if you look at their recent history, that shouldn't be a surprise. Here's a breakdown of their most noteworthy moves the past five seasons.
2017 offseason: Evan Longoria was acquired on Dec. 20, a few days after the annual Winter Meetings, which serve as the centerpiece and busiest week of the offseason. He was long rumored to be a Giants target, along with their other big addition. On Jan. 15, the Giants announced a trade for Andrew McCutchen. A week later they added Austin Jackson. Derek Holland and Tony Watson weren't brought in until February. Even a minor salary dump last offseason took some time. Matt Moore wasn't traded to the Rangers until Friday, Dec. 15, the night after the Winter Meetings ended. That was odd timing, and forced at least one beat writer to write his story from the back of a Thai restaurant.
2016 offseason: Remember when the Giants signed Josh Johnson? Me neither, but it happened two years ago at this time. The bigger move that offseason came on the first Monday of the Winter Meetings. On Dec. 5, the Giants signed Mark Melancon to a deal that for a few hours was the largest ever given to a relief pitcher. A week later, they re-signed Mike Morse. A month after that, they signed Nick Hundley to a one-year deal.
2015 offseason: This was the most expensive winter in franchise history, but the checks didn't start going out the door until Dec. 5. That's when word leaked - at 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning - that Jeff Samardzija had a deal. Nine days later, a deal was reached with Johnny Cueto. After a traditional break for the holidays, the Giants gave Denard Span $31 million on Jan. 8.
2014 offseason: This was a classic "Get the band back together" winter, but it took a while for it all to get sorted out. Sergio Romo re-signed on Dec. 22 and Jake Peavy a day after that. The Giants made small moves throughout January, signing Nori Aoki and re-signing Ryan Vogelsong. The big move that offseason was an ill-advised trade. On Dec. 20, two pitching prospects were traded to the Marlins for Casey McGehee.
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2013 offseason: Coming off a down year, the Giants worked relatively quickly. Tim Hudson signed Nov. 18 and Javier Lopez was brought back a week later. Word of Vogelsong's new deal leaked a day after Thanksgiving and Morse was brought in mid-December. That was an interesting offseason full of moves that worked out, but some that didn't. On Jan. 10, the Giants agreed to a deal with Dontrelle Willis.
