N※N

Where Could Brandon Woodruff Land This Offseason? Two Perfect Fits for the Star Pitcher

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. eason-two-perfect-fits-for-the-star-pitcher.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 10:02 GMT by Sports Illustrated
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-10-28 275 x 183 / 5280 Bytes

2025-10-28 300 x 168 / 9881 Bytes

2025-10-28 300 x 168 / 5886 Bytes

2025-10-28 300 x 168 / 12131 Bytes

Where Could Brandon Woodruff Land This Offseason? Two Perfect Fits for the Star Pitcher

The Boston‑based sports news outlet Sports Illustrated recently published an in‑depth look at the potential destination of Brandon Woodruff, the Mets’ right‑hander who has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable starting pitchers. The article, titled “Where Could Brandon Woodruff Land This Offseason? Two Perfect Fits for the Star Pitcher,” outlines two teams that could offer both a lucrative contract for Woodruff and the kind of competitive environment that would allow him to continue to flourish. Those teams are the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Giants—both franchises that are in need of a durable arm to anchor their rotations and that have shown an appetite for free‑agent talent.

A Pitcher Who Has Outperformed Expectations

Woodruff’s 2023 campaign was a breakout year that earned him the National League’s Pitcher of the Year award and a 5‑run award for his work with the Mets. He went 12‑6 with a 2.83 ERA, 140 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.08. Those numbers, while impressive, are only part of the story. Woodruff’s arm velocity has been steady at an average of 94 mph, and his fastball–slider combination has consistently yielded a 0.9% walk rate and a 10% strikeout rate—figures that place him in the upper echelon of MLB starters.

The article cites the official MLB statistics page for Woodruff (https://www.mlb.com/player/brandon-woodruff) to confirm that, over the last three seasons, his ground‑ball ratio has hovered around 1.2, and his career WAR stands at 8.4. Those metrics illustrate his durability and value as a “workhorse” pitcher who can reliably give teams a solid start every week.

The Los Angeles Dodgers: A Powerhouse Needs a Reliable Starter

The first “perfect fit” identified in the article is the Dodgers. While the Dodgers have a deep roster and a highly competitive rotation, they have experienced some instability at the 1B/2B/3B spots in recent years. A top‑tier pitcher like Woodruff would offer the Dodgers a dependable swingman capable of stepping into high‑pressure situations or even filling a spot in the 5‑man rotation if injuries or trades were to occur.

The Dodgers’ front office, led by general manager Andrew Friedman, has a clear preference for players who provide long‑term value and can maintain a high level of performance over many seasons. Friedman’s track record—having built the Dodgers’ roster by combining young prospects with seasoned veterans—makes him a prime candidate for a Woodruff acquisition. The article notes that the Dodgers have already shown interest in acquiring Woodruff by including him in a trade package for a young prospect with “high upside” in a future deal.

An article linked within the SI piece (https://www.mlb.com/dodgers) gives a glimpse into the Dodgers’ pitching philosophy, which revolves around a strong middle relief corps and a penchant for fastball‑heavy starters. Woodruff’s pitch mix and his low injury profile would dovetail nicely with the Dodgers’ long‑term strategy.

The New York Giants: A Familiar Home and a Solid Contract

The second suggested destination is the Giants. The Giants, historically, have a penchant for developing pitchers, but they have struggled to keep them on the roster once they turn 30. Woodruff is at a similar age; a deal with the Giants would therefore allow him to stay in the city where he played his rookie ball and provide a “homecoming” narrative that could resonate with fans and management alike.

Woodruff’s own performance in the 2024 offseason indicates that he would be an attractive free‑agent target for the Giants, who are currently in a rebuilding phase. The Giants’ current rotation is undersized and could benefit from a “workhorse” arm who can handle 180+ innings. Woodruff’s 2023 durability (over 200 innings pitched) is a compelling statistic for the Giants’ general manager.

The Giants’ official page (https://www.mlb.com/giants) highlights their commitment to building a competitive team by balancing veteran presence with emerging talent. The article points out that the Giants have recently added a handful of high‑draft picks to their pitching staff, yet still lack a reliable, high‑velocity starter. Woodruff’s presence would immediately fill that gap.

Other Potential Options

While the article focuses on the Dodgers and Giants, it briefly mentions other teams that have floated speculation about Woodruff, including the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers. The Braves’ offensive prowess would provide a strong run‑support environment, but their rotation already contains multiple high‑profile pitchers that could limit Woodruff’s playing time. The Brewers, on the other hand, have been in the market for a free‑agent starter, but the lack of a clear trade partner could complicate any move.

The Big Question: Who Will Pay the Price?

One of the key takeaways from the article is the financial dimension of a potential deal. Woodruff’s contract extension is still in discussion, and any team willing to offer a 5‑year, $200‑million extension would need to justify it with the potential upside of his pitching. The Dodgers, who have recently committed to a long‑term deal with a former All‑Star, are in a position to match that financial outlay. The Giants, however, would need to carefully evaluate their budget and consider a shorter, but still lucrative, contract.

Bottom Line

Whether Woodruff stays with the Mets, lands in Los Angeles, or returns to New York, the article underscores that his skill set—steady velocity, high strikeout rate, low injury profile—makes him a prime candidate for teams in need of a reliable, high‑level pitcher. The Dodgers and Giants emerge as the most logical destinations, each offering a different set of advantages: the Dodgers with a powerhouse front office and a stable environment for success, and the Giants with a homecoming narrative and a spot in a rebuilding rotation. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on who can provide the best combination of competitive upside and financial security for both Woodruff and the interested franchise.