Kevin Gausman ‘doesn’t want to leave’ the SF Giants

SF Giants’ pitcher Kevin Gausman recently told reporters that he “doesn’t want to leave.”

The SF Giants‘ doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday didn’t exactly go as planned. But for starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, he certainly did his part.

The Giants were shut out in both ends of the doubleheader losing the first game in a 7-0 rout before failing to score a run later in the day falling 2-0 to their division rivals.

After entering the series on a bit of a hot streak, the Giants certainly came crashing down to earth. That’s raised questions about whether or not the team will sell at the trade deadline which is fast approaching.

This feels oddly similar to the dilemma the team faced last year following their hot June. Ultimately, the Giants made a few trades but held on to arguably their greatest asset in Madison Bumgarner.

Might the same thing happen this year? That remains to be seen.

Kevin Gausman might be the SF Giants’ best trade piece this summer.

Gausman’s name has come up in trade rumors this August with a number of teams interested in acquiring the veteran righty. In seven appearances (six starts), Gausman has a 4.54 ERA, but also has 48 strikeouts in 35.2 innings pitched.

And his 3.32 FIP indicates that brighter days are ahead for the former Baltimore Orioles hurler.

On Thursday, he made what could end up being his final start with the Giants tossing 4.2 innings, allowing two runs and striking out six batters. Amidst trade rumors, Gausman commented on his status with the Giants after the game.

And it’s safe to say he doesn’t want to go anywhere.

"“Obviously, I don’t want to leave these guys. It’s been really great. They’ve made coming to the ballpark really fun.”"

When the Giants signed Gausman to a one-year deal in the offseason, the hope was that he could provide stability to an uncertain starting rotation. At the same time, many saw him as a player who the team could flip for assets at the deadline.

Their mid-August success may have changed that and the Giants remain very much in the playoff picture. But after this humbling series against the Dodgers, perhaps the team ultimately decides it’s time to sell.

If that’s the case, there should be no shortage of suitors for Gausman. Earlier in the week, SNY’s Andy Martino reported that the New York Yankees had reached out to the Giants about Gausman.

The Giants have options. But if Gausman has anything to say about it, he seems intent on staying in San Francisco.