Late Thursday evening, it was reported on social media that just-turned-30-year-old (on January 12) left-hander Alex Wood, who became a free agent following the Dodgers 2020 World Series win over the Tampa Bay Rays, had agreed to an incentive-laden one-year contract with the (ugh) San Francisco Giants that included a club option for a second year.

The Charlotte, NC native and second-round draft pick in 2012 out of the University of Georgia spent a combined five seasons with the Dodgers, posting a 31-21 record and 3.54 ERA in 95 games (76 starts). During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Wood went 0-1 with a less-than-stellar 6.39 ERA in nine appearances (two starts) in his combined 12.2 innings pitched. He walked six while striking out 15, allowing two home runs. He also hit three batters.

Wood’s deal with the Hated Ones was skillfully crafted by none other than former Dodgers General Manager and current Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi.

“I’ve seen him at his best,” Zaidi said during a Zoom press conference with reporters. “When he has the health to go out there every fifth day, he can be a really important and valuable part of a starting rotation. What was encouraging about Alex last year, despite the fact that he did have a couple of health setbacks, is he finished the season really strong. He pitched incredibly well in the playoffs, including in the World Series.

“For me, watching him pitch like that in the playoffs was really reminiscent of when I’ve seen him at his best. … We have a lot of optimism that he can carry that into 2021, and be a really important part of our rotation next year.”

During that aforementioned 2020 World Series, Wood appeared in two games and did not allow a run in his combined 4.0 innings of relief, striking out five of the 15 batters he faced.

Wood will earn bonuses for games pitched in which he records 10 or more outs, including $125,000 for 12 and 14, and $250,000 for 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 outs, and $500,000 for 26, 28, and 30 outs. Zaidi said that the contract’s unique structure offers some protection for Wood if he is used as a bulk-innings pitcher behind an opener, which seems to be gaining popularity in the MLB of late.

Although it is always a tough pill to swallow whenever a former Dodger ends up with the Giants, it is difficult to root against Wood, who was a great teammate and quite popular with Dodger fans for his occasional fiery temper and well-documented sense of humor.

SNLA’s Alanna Rizzo summed it up best on Twitter:

Play Ball!

  *  *  *  *  *  *