Giants Lose Out on Cody Ponce to the Blue Jays
The San Francisco Giants have seen another starting pitching option slip through their fingers as right-hander Cody Ponce has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. According to The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly, the Giants were “involved” in talks for Ponce, but his asking price ultimately proved too high for the organization. This development comes on the heels of the Giants’ reported lack of interest in Japanese star Tatsuya Imai, further narrowing their options in the winter market.
Ponce’s Impressive Journey
Cody Ponce, a 31-year-old right-handed pitcher, has had a remarkable journey over the past few years. After spending four seasons playing overseas, he made a significant impact in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in 2025, where he dominated with a 17-1 record and a minuscule 1.89 ERA across 29 starts. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Choi Dong-won Award, given to the KBO’s best starting pitcher, and the 2025 KBO MVP. Ponce’s impressive resume also includes 20 games of MLB experience with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020 and 2021, where he posted a 5.86 ERA. Despite his brief and rocky stint in the majors, his overseas success has propelled him to a substantial contract.
Bay Area Connections
Ponce’s success on the field is complemented by his personal connections to the Bay Area. He is married to Emma Kittle, the sister of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle. These ties likely made the Giants particularly interested in bringing him aboard, but the financial constraints ultimately directed Ponce to the Blue Jays. The Kittle family’s presence in the Bay Area could have served as a compelling narrative for Giants fans, but it seems that the team’s budget and priorities dictated a different path.
The Giants’ Pitching Market
With Ponce and Imai off the market, the Giants still have notable options to bolster their pitching rotation. Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer, both of whom pitched for the Blue Jays in their 2025 American League pennant-winning roster, remain available. Bassitt, known for his durability and effectiveness, could be a solid fit for the Giants, while Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, represents a high-caliber ace who could elevate the team’s pitching staff. The Giants’ front office, led by president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and general manager Scott Harris, will need to weigh their options carefully to find the right fit within their budget constraints.
Blue Jays’ Aggressive Pursuit
The Blue Jays have been aggressive in their pursuit of top talent this offseason, signing Ponce and former Cy Young Award winner Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract last week. These moves signal the Blue Jays’ commitment to becoming a powerhouse in the American League and suggest that they see Ponce as a key piece to their future success. The Giants, on the other hand, must now adapt their strategy to remain competitive in the National League West.
Looking Ahead
As the Giants navigate the remaining free-agent market, the focus will likely shift to finding value and addressing specific needs. The team’s decision-making will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming season. Whether it’s signing a veteran to provide stability or developing young talent to grow within the organization, the Giants have a clear path forward. The loss of Ponce and Imai may be disappointing, but the Giants’ front office has a track record of making savvy moves, and fans can look forward to seeing how they piece together a strong and resilient roster for the 2026 season.
