The PECOTA projections or known as the “Player Empirical Comparison and Optimization Test Algorithm” is calculated every year before the off-season comes to an end. For the 2018 season, the Giants are projected to finish 84-78 and in third place in the NL West, behind the Dodgers and D-Backs.
At first glance, the Giants winning 84 games sounds like a huge improvement from 64 last year, and it absolutely is. The additions of Andrew McCutchen, Evan Longoria, Austin Jackson and the return of some key arms have the Giants fighting for a second wild-card spot.