SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants have a pretty simple strategy when it comes to homegrown contributors: Keep them.
Brandon Crawford was the latest to get a long-term deal, agreeing to a six-year, $75 million contract that will keep him at AT&T Park through at least 2021. Crawford and Brandon Belt have always been connected as young Brandons who came up together, and the first baseman could be next. General manager Bobby Evans said he has had some discussions with Belt and his representatives, although it's unlikely anything gets done soon. Evans said the Giants may agree on a one-year deal to avoid arbitration and then discuss a long-term contract.
"I think Brandon is open to that," Evans said. "We have to see how it works out."
The primary concern with a Belt deal would seem to be his health, but the Giants aren't worried about a player who has two concussions in the last two seasons and three total going back to his days at the University of Texas. Belt's 2015 season was ended by a concussion, but he has been cleared by specialists.
"The concussion is not a concern," Evans said. "We've gotten very good medical info that doesn't give us concerns about Brandon's health."
Belt, 27, hit .280 last season with 18 homers and 68 RBI. He was a finalist for the Gold Glove Award at first base.
--- The Giants are still looking at trade options to add to the outfield and rotation, but nothing is imminent. Other teams are said to be asking for the likes of Matt Duffy and Joe Panik, and both are considered just about untouchable. The Giants would prefer to trade prospects, and they'll be patient. Belt, by the way, is in the same off-limits territory as Duffy and Panik. Ignore those rumors about trading Belt and signing Chris Davis to play first base.
--- Evans said some free agent pitchers have started to take offers, but others are still in "early discussion" mode. The Giants did make one early move, adding outfielder/first baseman Kyle Blanks on a minor league deal. Blanks, 29, has pop, but he hasn't been able to stick as a big leaguer. The deal is pending a physical. It seems somewhat minor now, but remember, Justin Maxwell was added in a similar way last offseason and ended up getting a lot of time in the outfield.
--- Joel Wolfe, Crawford's agent, also represents Chase Utley. He said Utley has five or six teams chasing him right now, including the rival Dodgers.
--- In case you missed it, here's my story on Duffy's first offseason as a big leaguer.
