The San Francisco Giants are facing a competitive spring training with a critical spot in their starting rotation up for grabs. Logan Webb, as the ace, is guaranteed a starting role, flanked by Robbie Ray and Justin Verlander, two former Cy Young Award winners. Jordan Hicks also has a chance to secure a starting position despite prior injuries. The fifth slot remains a contest among Kyle Harrison, Hayden Birdsong, and Landen Roupp, each showcasing unique talents and potential.

While Birdsong has shown flashes of brilliance, he needs more experience; Roupp has impressed during spring outings, making a solid case for inclusion. The spotlight, however, shines on Harrison, a top-rated prospect whose recent struggles raise questions about his readiness. With only 23 years of age, he possesses untapped potential that Giants fans hope can emerge this season.

Drafting for the upcoming MLB season can be daunting, especially with the potential busts that could derail your fantasy team. Jacob deGrom is a tricky pick; despite his impressive stats, his injuries over the past few seasons make him a risky choice at CBS’s ADP of 44. Ronel Blanco, coming off a strong 2024, may not replicate his success due to potential regression, making his ADP of 202 a potential overvaluation. Bryce Miller's outstanding 2024 ERA belies a concerning underlying xERA, suggesting he may not be worth his current ADP. Tanner Bibee lacks standout skills and holds a similar risk at an ADP of 92. Robbie Ray, although once a Cy Young winner, faces health uncertainties, especially at an ADP around 150.

The San Francisco Giants begin their Cactus League schedule against the Texas Rangers, with Landen Roupp taking the mound. Roupp, a right-handed pitcher with a promising past season, now looks to secure a rotation spot amidst tough competition. The top four rotation spots appear to be held down by Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Justin Verlander, with Jordan Hicks projected for the fourth slot. This leaves Roupp vying for the fifth spot against Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong, both of whom also present strong cases for inclusion.

Roupp's 2023 season showed potential, with an ERA of 3.58 over 50.1 innings. However, he also struggled with a high walk rate of 12%. His performance will be crucial this spring as he seeks to distinguish himself in a competitive environment. If he does not claim a starting position, Roupp is expected to transition to the bullpen, which suggests his role in the team is secure either way.

The San Francisco Giants faced a challenging offseason, highlighted by the loss of ace pitcher Blake Snell, who opted out of his contract to sign a lucrative five-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Snell's departure leaves a significant gap in the starting rotation, a void that the Giants attempted to fill through aggressive pursuits in free agency.

Despite their efforts, they missed out on top targets like Corbin Burnes and must now rely on Justin Verlander, who comes off a tough season at nearly 42 years old, and hope for a resurgence from Robbie Ray after Tommy John surgery. The Giants are left in a precarious position, needing young pitchers like Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks to step up in a deeply competitive division.

Justin Verlander, at 41, is adjusting his offseason routine after nearly two decades in Major League Baseball, opting to keep throwing to maintain shoulder health. The right-hander recently signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the San Francisco Giants and aims to prove he can still pitch effectively after a challenging 2024 season.

With a history of injuries, including shoulder inflammation and neck discomfort, Verlander struggled last year with a 5.48 ERA. However, he's optimistic, feeling 'miles ahead' of where he was a year ago. His contract includes performance bonuses, and he’s determined to support the Giants as they aim for contention in the NL West.