Report: San Francisco Giants Considering Re-Signing Lincecum

Tim Lincecum, the starter-turned-reliever-turned-likely-starter, is reportedly in the San Francisco Giants'  future plans to re-sign when his contract with the team is up at the end of the 2013 season.


The San Francisco Chronicle's Henry Schulman is reporting this little tidbit of information:

Random piece of info: #sfgiants have not given up on Lincecum long-term. I'm told prospect of re-signing Lince as a FA next year ...
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) January 15, 2013

... played into some budgetary decisions this year on long-term deals for other players. #sfgiants.
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) January 15, 2013

After Lincecum's tumultuous 2012 season, it appeared likely that the Giants and the 28-year-old would be going their separate ways when his contract was completed, judging by the enormity of his salary and lack of recent production as a starter.

Lincecum will be paid $20 million this season, the final year of his contract.

The Giants have stood by their player, despite having to send him to the bullpen during the majority of the MLB playoffs. However, he was a vital part of the team's World Series run as a lock-down reliever when the game was on the line.

The length and magnitude of Lincecum's next contract will likely hinge on his success this season, presumably as a start for the Giants. If he returns to form in a starting role, then he will probably demand more than the Giants can afford in the open market. But another down season may alter how both the Giants and the rest of the MLB value this worth.