Kevin Gausman accepts Giants qualifying offer worth $18.9 million

The San Francisco Giants made sure that they did not lose veteran starting pitcher Kevin Gausman in free agency. Gausman accepted a one-year qualifying offer worth $18.9 million from the Giants.

The 29-year-old pitcher staying in the Bay Area for another season is a major boost for a Giants’ team that lost Drew Smyly, who signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves. The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly offered Gausman a three-year deal in the $40 million range, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

This past season, Gausman had a solid season and was one of the main reasons why the Giants were still in the hunt for a playoff spot. He posted a record 3-3 and ERA of 3.62 in 59.2 innings pitched. The right-handed pitcher also struck out 59 batters and had produced a career-high 11.9 strikeouts per 9.0 innings. San Francisco is hoping that he can keep up next season and possibly in the future as they have had talks about a long-term contract.

Kevin Gausman came up in the Baltimore Oriloles system and along with the Giants has spent time with the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves.