The San Francisco Giants already have two rotation building blocks in Logan Webb and Landen Roupp, but their offseason plan must focus on surrounding them with pitchers capable of providing dependable innings.

Adding established pitching while preserving meaningful opportunities for young hitters represents the clearest path toward constructing a more competitive roster.

With San Francisco facing several questions in its 2027 rotation, a reunion with Robbie Ray could benefit both the organization and the veteran left-hander.

Ray went 13-8 with a 3.59 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 165.2 innings over 31 appearances (30 starts) with the Giants and San Diego Padres in 2026.

His postseason performance was disappointing as he went 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA and 2.18 WHIP in 3.2 innings across two appearances (one start).

Despite those October struggles, Ray has quietly remained one of MLB’s most productive pitchers during the past half-decade.

He won the Cy Young Award with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023 while pitching for the Seattle Mariners.

At this stage of his career, Ray could strengthen more than San Francisco’s rotation. He would also provide an experienced clubhouse presence capable of mentoring a young and relatively inexperienced pitching staff.

Signing Ray to a short-term contract would carry limited risk for the Giants.

The 35-year-old has recovered from left elbow surgery and performed as a solid starter during the past two seasons with San Francisco and San Diego.

He is no longer the dominant pitcher who captured the Cy Young Award five years ago, but his recent production demonstrates that he can still occupy the middle of an MLB rotation.

Ray’s willingness to challenge hitters and remain aggressive would give the Giants a different presence alongside Webb and Roupp. He has experienced success, serious injury, rehabilitation and the adjustments required to remain effective later in a career.

That perspective could prove especially valuable when younger pitchers encounter difficult stretches.

His ability to work as a regular starter would also reduce pressure on San Francisco’s developing arms. The Giants would not need to rush a prospect into the rotation or expect an inexperienced pitcher to handle a full workload before being prepared.

A reunion would provide Ray with familiarity as well. He already understands the organization, Oracle Park and the expectations surrounding the Giants. That knowledge could shorten his adjustment period and allow him to focus on preparing for the season.

San Francisco should not expect Ray to return as an ace. The more realistic objective would be securing a dependable veteran capable of supplying competitive starts and stabilizing the middle of the rotation.

On an affordable short-term agreement, Ray would offer experience, durability and enough remaining ability to help the Giants in 2027 without preventing them from pursuing additional pitching.