San Francisco Giants: Which Free Agents Should They Bring Back This Offseason?

Javier Lopez

Jun 26, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Javier Lopez (49) readies to throw against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

I think this choice is pretty much a no-brainer. Lopez has a 1.82 ERA this season and a 1.07 WHIP. Perhaps what makes him so valuable, though, is the fact he is a left-hander. Other teams would love to have him, and, to me, that says a lot. If other teams would want him so badly, there must be a reason they do, which means the Giants should want him too, right? Lopez could be traded, but as I said early, pitching is something the Giants need.

Besides his WHIP and ERA, there are other statistics that paint a clearer picture of how well Lopez is doing this season. Despite only pitching about two fewer innings than in 2012 (36 vs. 34.2 in 2013), Lopez has given up 11 fewer hits (37 in 2012 vs. 26 in 2013) and no home runs (he gave up one in 2012). Perhaps the most telling statistic, though, is his K/9 of 8.57 (career high).

Lastly, Lopez has actually expressed a desire to continue playing for the Giants. I think it would be a huge disservice if the Giants let a very good player go who wants to play for their organization.