It’s the end of an era for San Francisco Giants fans, and it’s hitting hard. Tyler Rogers, the submarine-style pitcher who defied logic and captivated hearts, is gone. Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, he leaves behind a legacy of quirky brilliance and a bullpen that feels a little emptier. But before we dive into the stats and the 'what-ifs,' let’s take a moment to appreciate the magic he brought to the mound.
2025 was a career year for Rogers, and the numbers speak for themselves. Across 81 games and 77.1 innings, he posted a stellar 1.98 ERA, a 2.88 FIP, and a microscopic 0.94 WHIP. With the Giants, his performance was even more impressive: a 1.80 ERA, a 2.64 FIP, and a 0.86 WHIP over 50 innings. These aren’t just stats; they’re a testament to his unique ability to baffle batters with his underhand delivery. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a pitcher like Rogers, with his unconventional style, truly thrive in high-pressure situations?
Rogers’s journey with the Giants was nothing short of inspiring. For seven years, he scraped his knuckles on the mound, becoming a cult hero and a role model for little leaguers from Seaside to Sacramento. His departure feels like more than just a trade—it’s the end of a love story between a player and his fans. I, like many, prayed for his return, hoping the Giants would re-sign him after the trade. After all, who wouldn’t want him pitching the 8th inning in 2026, spinning batters like tops with his 80 MPH fastballs and rising sliders?
But Rogers had outgrown the nest. Toronto offered him a three-year, $37 million deal—a well-deserved payday for a pitcher who’s worth every penny. And while it’s easy to feel sorry for Blue Jays fans after their recent struggles, I can’t help but feel a mix of envy and regret. What if they’d acquired him before the trade deadline? Could he have been the difference in Game 7? Imagine Rogers facing the Doogers on the biggest stage, slinging his saucers with the game on the line. It would’ve been a triumph of the unconventional, a victory for the 'weird' over the obvious. Max Muncy’s solo shot? Never happens. Miguel Rojas gaining count leverage? Doubtful. Rogers would’ve sealed the deal, becoming an instant Canadian legend. The Tyler Centre? It’s got a ring to it.
Alas, his final appearance as a Giant came on July 29th, 2025, against Pittsburgh. He took the loss, giving up two earned runs in a typical soft-contact rally—five groundballs, four singles, and just two balls leaving the infield. These fluky frames have dogged him throughout his career, fueling the narrative that he’s not a true closer. But is that fair? Or are we letting fear of the inexplicable cloud our judgment? Rogers’s ability to attack the strike zone, avoid barrels, and keep the ball grounded is unparalleled. Yet, there’s always that lingering doubt: What if the luck runs out? What if one of his levitating pitches becomes a Proustian madeleine for a struggling hitter?
We’ve seen it happen—Jake Cave in Colorado, Nick Ahmed in LA. That 1% home run rate is seared into our brains, making it hard to fully trust Rogers in the 9th inning. His career 4.07 ERA in the 9th pales in comparison to his 2.35 ERA in the 8th. Even in his breakout 2021 season, when he earned 12 saves over 22 innings, crooked numbers against key opponents swelled his 9th-inning ERA to 5.24. Is it a lack of faith in his own quirk, or is the 9th inning simply too much for his style?
Rogers’s departure leaves a hole in the Giants’ bullpen. Erik Miller? Joel Peguero? They’ve got firepower, but they lack Rogers’s consistency and experience. For half a decade, he was the reliable arm in the late innings, the guy you didn’t have to worry about. Is it selfish to wish he was still our little secret? Absolutely. But damn, I’m happy he’s getting paid. Nearly $9 million next year, $13.66 million through his age 37 season, and a guaranteed $12 million in 2029 if he stays healthy. With his mechanics, he could be throwing 70 innings a season well into his 40s. Maybe, just maybe, the Giants will bring him back then.
So, here’s the question for you: Is Tyler Rogers a closer, or is he better suited for the 8th inning? And more importantly, did the Giants make a mistake letting him go? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure: Rogers may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten.
