Giants likely to pursue Jordan Zimmermann in free agency

The Giants are likely to consider signing pending free-agent starter Jordan Zimmermann, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. San Francisco is expected to be aggressive on the starting pitching market this winter.

Zimmermann, 29, is expected to be a hot target when he hits free agency this winter, with the Cubs and Red Sox as potentially interested teams along with the Giants and Nationals. The righty has posted a 3.54 ERA in 26 starts for Washington this year and is considered a durable, high-upside arm who may serve as a lower-priced alternative to ace free agents David Price and Johnny Cueto.

San Francisco may pursue Price and Cueto this offseason, with trade deadline addition Mike Leake as another candidate to be locked up on a long-term deal. The Giants have Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, Chris Heston and Jake Peavy locked up as part of their future rotation plans, but are likely looking to supplement that group with a front-end starter in free agency.

According to Rosenthal, one way the Giants could free up money would be to trade outfielder Angel Pagan, who is owed $10 million and may be displaced by Gregor Blanco next season. Moving Blanco would give the team additional flexibility in their attempts to add a front-line starter.