San Francisco Giants: Six Possible Trade Ideas

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SP Mike Leake (Cincinnati Reds)

Jul 10, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mike Leake (44) throws the ball in the first inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Leake is having a career year in 2015 as he is 7-5, 3.95 ERA. He’s logged 120 innings pitched as he and Cueto have carried the Reds pitching staff. Homer Bailey , who signed a hefty extension with the Reds is out, recovering from an arm injury, and Leake had no choice but to emerge. Unfortunately, the Reds aren’t going anywhere this season in Bryan Price‘s second year as manager.

While no one wants the large contracts the Reds are carrying, Leake is in the final year of his contract and his success could bring a return for Cincinnati.

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For the Giants, they have had to deal with injuries to their rotation. All of their starters, with the exception of Bumgarner and Chris Heston have spent time on the DL. Tim Hudson, Tim Lincecum, Peavy, and Cain have all had DL stints and are in the midst of very average seasons. Heston, the rookie, has come on and has been a big surprise. He’s been the Giants’ second best starter, if not at moments, their best pitcher this season.

Bumgarner and Heston have carried the load, and could use some help. Leake might be the right guy in the middle of the rotation to help the Giants.

Why is San Francisco a good fit for Leake? Currently, Leake pitches in one of the best hitter’s parks in baseball and has managed to keep his ERA under four. If he headed west, at AT&T Park, the vast ballpark and great Giants defense would only bolster his numbers. And fly balls would have a habit of being brought back into play by the swirling winds in the bay.

Leake would cost prospects and could possibly be just a one year rental. But one year rentals are nothing new for the Giants as they learned with Carlos Beltran in 2011. The difference between the two is that Leake would require less in return than Beltran did, where Giants had to give up their top prospect at the time, Zack Wheeler.

The Giants have been successful with the roster they have fielded, but Bochy’s team is getting older, and slowly bringing in new blood and other veterans is a must. Leake could be a spark in the rotation.

Next: 5. Tyson Ross

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