San Francisco Giants: Six Possible Trade Ideas
Jul 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (8), third baseman Matt Duffy (5) center fielder Angel Pagan (16), first baseman Brandon Belt (9) and shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) celebrate after beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-4 at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
With the conclusion of this year’s All Star festivities — including the American League taking home field advantage during the World Series by virtue of a 6-3 win, the time to buckle up for the second half of the season has come. Through the first half of the season, the San Francisco Giants had to overcome a load of adversity, as Nori Aoki, Hunter Pence (twice), and Jeremy Affeldt, have spent time on the disabled list.
Currently sitting three and a half games out of first place (48-43 overall), the Giants are looking to be in the same spot they were last year. The Dodgers are currently holding off the division lead while the Giants flirting with the wildcard. With the trade deadline two weeks away, teams should begin to get busy and the defending champs are lurking, and are possibly ready to make a push to put themselves in a position to return to the October classic. Fresh out of the All-Star break, things are looking solid, but they could use a upgrade.
What should they do?
More from San Francisco Giants
- Thank you SF Giants for a fun, wild, surprising 2020 season
- SF Giants lose in heartbreaking fashion and miss 2020 MLB playoffs
- SF Giants: Mike Yastrzemski named 2020 Willie Mac Award recipient
- SF Giants: Chadwick Tromp placed on IL with shoulder strain
- SF Giants: Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners postponed
The difference between 2014 and 2015 is that the glaring needs of the Giants from last season were obvious. Second base was an atrocity before the call-up of the second baseman of the future, Joe Panik. Starting pitching was also a concern. This season, there are only minimal moves that need to be done to solidify the roster.
Starting pitching once again can be patched up, but the return of Matt Cain and Jake Peavy from their injuries, will put the immediate demand for a starter on hold.
Third base was an issue after offseason acquisition, Casey McGehee did not pan out, as he is now with the Miami Marlins once again. Utility man, Matt Duffy, took advantage of McGehee’s failings and has put up top notch numbers. Playing sparingly at second base and shortstop since last season’s call-up from Double A- Richmond, Duffy gave Bruce Bochy no choice but to place him at third with the bat he has brought to the lineup.
But back to the question, what should the Giants do? Quiet frankly, they need only minimal moves for depth and possibly look to add another pitcher to the rotation.
Here are some trade scenarios based on salary and fit, that the Giants should consider making to help contribute to the playoff success they have endured the last five seasons.
Next: 1. Cameron Maybin