San Francisco Giants: Six Possible Trade Ideas
OF Cameron Maybin (Atlanta Braves)
Jul 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Cameron Maybin (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Moving around is nothing new for Cameron Maybin. Back in 2007, Maybin was a top prospect in the Detroit Tigers farm system, but was sent to the then, Florida Marlins, to acquire future no-doubt Hall of Famer, Miguel Cabrera.
Three years later, Maybin found himself on the block again as the San Diego Padres acquired him as they were looking to make the playoffs. Then to cap off a wild start to his career, Maybin once again found himself involved in a monster deal as the Atlanta Braves shipped All-Star closer, Craig Kimbrel, to the aggressive Padres.
It is hard to determine why Maybin has been moved so much after once being coveted as a top prospect. But he has found strides of his expected potential with the Braves in 2015. At the All-Star break, Maybin has compiled a .289 BA, witheight home runs, 44 RBI’s, and 15 stolen bases.
The Braves are currently in rebuild mode to prepare for the new stadium in Cobb County, but Atlanta is surprisingly, only seven games out of first place. While they are having some moderate success, the Braves may still look to shop the outfielder for building blocks as his value is clearly high.
The Giants could use another outfielder. Sadly, the magic that Justin Maxwell brought at the beginning of the season has been washing away with each passing week. The regression may find him demoted to Triple A-Sacramento, or released outright. Pence appears to be finally healthy after a frustrating arm injury that required two stints on the DL. Aoki appears to be doing well and is expected back by the beginning of August.
How does Maybin fit with the Giants?
Maybin is not unfamiliar with the National League West and AT&T Park, after his days in San Diego. His game has hit its prime in Atlanta, and his style of play fits the Giants. Maybin can be moved around in the lineup, and plays great defense. Angel Pagan has been a pivotal piece in the clubhouse and with his play since 2012, but injuries are starting to rack up and he is a free agent after this year.
Maybin is making $5 million this season and is signed through 2016. Clearly, he would not be just a one-year rental. The Giants have a core of Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, Brandon Crawford, Panik, and Pence for the next half decade at least.
Bochy likes his veterans, but Maybin would be a great start to getting the outfield young again and he also doesn’t cost a lot.
Next: 2. Ben Revere