Hayden Birdsong, a sixth-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, rapidly advanced through the Giants' Minor League system and was thrust into a larger role due to injuries in the starting rotation. Despite struggling with high pitch counts and failing to complete five innings in nine of his 16 starts, he showcased his potential, particularly in his final game of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals. There, he made franchise history by striking out multiple batters, becoming the first San Francisco pitcher in the divisional era to have 11 of the first 13 outs as strikeouts. This impressive performance positions him as a key player for the Giants moving forward, with the potential to develop into a top-of-the-rotation pitcher.