Ditching Kevin Gausman: The Final Analysis

Bryan Murphy of McCovey Chronicles analyzes the San Francisco Giants' decision to let Kevin Gausman walk in free agency after the 2021 season. Instead of matching Toronto's five-year, $110 million contract, the Giants attempted to replace Gausman's production in the aggregate with shorter-term commitments to Carlos Rodon, Alex Cobb, Robbie Ray, and Blake Snell to pair alongside co-ace Logan Webb.

Murphy argues that Gausman ultimately won the comparison, noting the Giants saved only $1.9 million while losing 6.1 wins above replacement over five years. Although the rotating group achieved individual accolades such as All-Star appearances and a Snell no-hitter, Murphy concludes that the aggregate strategy failed to yield postseason appearances and cost the franchise more overall than keeping Gausman.