San Francisco Giants: Predicting the team’s best pitcher in 2020
By Allen Settle
1. Jeff Samardzija
The 12-year MLB veteran looks ready for another solid season. The Shark finished the 2019 campaign with a 11-12 record and a 3.52 ERA in 181 innings. He also recorded 140 strikeouts (an ability that has defined his career as a pitcher).
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Despite being 35-years-old, Jeff Samardzija is still quite competent as a starter. In fact, his production last season was his best since his All-Star campaign in 2014. He still has good velocity on his fastball. He also boasts a legitimate cutter, splitter, and curveball.
Samardzija is projected to post a similar statistical line in 2020. I project he will record 10+ wins, 140+ strikeouts, and a sub-4.10 ERA. If things break right, there’s a real chance he could even keep his ERA under 4.00.
The longtime workhorse likely won’t set the world on fire. There’s little chance he’ll be a contender for a CY Young or All-Star berth. However, can be relied on for 180+ innings of good production.
On a team like the Giants, this skill set may make him the most dangerous pitcher on the roster.