If the fans needed a reason to cheer for the San Francisco Giants this season, then they might start with new manager Tony Vitello. He's coming into the dugout, looking to take the Giants into a new direction in the National League West Division.

Still, the Giants made a few moves in the offseason that might make some fans wonder if the team really be better in 2026.

San Francisco has not had a winning record in the last four seasons, something that really doesn't encourage fans to come out a lot to Oracle Park. The Giants know that they have a tough task ahead of them in moving past the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division itself.

But, did the Giants do enough? That's a question MLB Insider Jim Bowden looked at when reviewing what the team did in the offseason. Bowden put together a lengthy list of all 30 MLB clubs, what they did in the offseason, and how the season looks according to him in a new article for The Athletic.

San Francisco was active in the free agent market. The Giants added pitchers Tyler Mahle, Sam Hentges, Adrian Houser, and Jason Foley to their pitching staff. Other additions included outfielder Harrison Bader and second baseman Luis Arraez. All but Bader were signed to one-year deals; Bader has a two-year contract with the team.

As far as trades go, San Francisco picked up right-handed pitcher Logan Martin from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-handed pitcher Mason Black. Also, in a deal with the Houston Astros, the Giants acquired catcher Jancel Villaroel and international bonus pool money for right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng.

In Bowden's estimation, what are some of the key takeaways from the Giants' moves?

"The Giants may not have done their offseason shopping at Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue but they did an excellent job finding undervalued players such as Tyler Mahle, Adrian Houser, Jason Foley, Harrison Bader and Luis Arraez," Bowden wrote.

"None of those five really helps the Giants close the gap between them and the Dodgers, but those moves do make them a huge threat for second place in the NL West and a wild-card berth," Bowden continued.

"Bader is more of a fourth outfielder in my opinion, but he’s an important defensive center fielder for the pitching staff, and if Mahle can just stay healthy, he’s a solid mid-rotation starter," he wrote.

"Arraez has won batting titles in both leagues and although he’s a below-average defender without pop, he does create traffic for the middle of the Giants’ order," according to Bowden. "I just wish they could have landed another top-of-the-rotation starter."

According to Bowden, the biggest questions revolve around if Vitello can get the Giants to the postseason, and who will play first base more -- Rafael Devers or hot prospect Bryce Eldridge?

Bowden slots the Giants into a third-place finish in the NL West.

Can the Giants really make a run for their money to get past the Dodgers? It's going to be an uphill battle for San Francisco. Let's see if Vitello and Co. can put together a winning record. That would go a long way toward helping Giants fans feel better about the organization at this point.

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