DEAL DONE: San Francisco giants sign another highly profile key man to league deal

The San Francisco Giants’ roster might see some changes next season due to players with contract options, with at least one veteran facing an intriguing choice.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com analyzed key players whose contracts are expiring and noted the uncertainty surrounding Wilmer Flores.

Flores holds a $3.5 million player option for the final year of his three-year, $16.5 million contract signed in September 2022. If Flores declines, the Giants have an $8.5 million club option, allowing them to retain him with a raise from the $6.5 million he earned in each of the last two seasons.

Flores, 33, has been with San Francisco since 2020, signing multiple contracts with the team, indicating a strong relationship. However, his performance in 2024 has been disappointing, ending abruptly due to a knee injury in July. Even when healthy, he struggled, posting a slash line of .206/.277/.318 with just four home runs and 26 RBIs in his last 71 games.

Despite this down year, Flores has shown consistent production in the past, with an OPS over .780 in six of the last nine seasons. Just a year ago, he slashed .284/.355/.509 with 23 home runs and 60 RBIs—the type of performance the Giants hoped for.

Flores’ future in San Francisco is uncertain. A fresh start elsewhere might benefit him, but that depends on his value on the open market. It’s unlikely the Giants will pay him $8.5 million given his poor season and knee injury. Before his injury, he was benched in favor of LaMonte Wade Jr.

Flores might opt to pick up the $3.5 million option, hoping to bounce back stronger. While he’s unlikely to start, he could see playing time as a corner infielder. Alternatively, the Giants could trade or release him, freeing him for another team while still compensating him.