As spring training opens this week, four players who elected free agency following the 2025 season remain unsigned: veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, first baseman Wilmer Flores, outfielder Dominic Smith, and catcher Tom Murphy. The San Francisco Giants, their former team, have left the door open for potential returns for several of the players, but have also begun to reshape their roster.
Murphy’s departure appears most definitive. The Giants declined a team option on the veteran catcher, resulting in a $250,000 buyout, according to reports. Murphy saw limited action over two seasons with San Francisco, registering just 38 plate appearances.
The continued free agency of Verlander and Smith has come as a surprise to some observers. Verlander, despite accumulating over 3,500 innings pitched in his 20-year career, demonstrated solid performance for the Giants in 2025, posting a 3.85 ERA with an 8.1 K/9 rate across 29 starts. He arrived in San Francisco hoping to reach the milestone of 300 career wins, but managed only four victories with the team. This was not attributed to his performance, but rather a lack of offensive support and bullpen struggles, according to analysis of his appearances.
The Giants have bolstered their pitching rotation with the additions of Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle, potentially diminishing the necessitate for Verlander’s services. However, the team has not definitively closed the door on a reunion with the future Hall of Famer.
Smith, who joined the Giants mid-season in 2025, provided a boost to the lineup, slashing .284/.333/.417 with five home runs and 33 RBI in 225 plate appearances. Whereas defensive metrics were not particularly favorable, Smith displayed capable play at first base. The Giants also maintain interest in bringing Smith back, but have internal options at first base with Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge. The recent acquisition of Luis Arráez, adding another left-handed bat to the lineup, further reduces the likelihood of a reunion with Smith.
Flores, a veteran known for clutch hitting during his time with the Giants, continues to seek a fresh team. His offensive production has declined somewhat in recent seasons, partially due to a knee injury. In 2025, he posted a .686 OPS with 16 home runs and 71 RBI in 463 plate appearances. Flores has publicly expressed his desire to continue playing.
