In 2016 the Giants hoped to bolster their starting pitching. One decision was to sign free agent Jeff Samardjia, a long-time Cubs starter. They signed him for 5 years at $90 million. They received an inconsistent and average pitcher who failed to raise to high levels.
In the first season he won 12 games and lost 11 with a 3.81 ERA. That was his best season with the Giants. He followed that with 9 wins, 1 win, 11 wins and no wins. His ERA was consistently over 4.00 including a 6.25 in 2018 when he only won 1 game in an injury shortened season. In his final season he had a 9.72 ERA, pitching only in 4 games.
The GIants got 33 wins in 5 seasons, two injury shortened seasons, and a below average starter in their rotation for $90 million.
