The San Francisco Giants went on a cinderella run last year when they won over 100 games but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. Adding Kris Bryant was a magnificent trade deadline move that propelled them to the top of the NL West, but that has changed drastically this season. Losing guys like Bryant, Kevin Gausman, and Buster Posey has derailed their chances of remaining competitive this season.
The Giants are just a few games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the third Wild Card spot, but they seem unlikely to win a World Series with their nucleus. Furthermore, San Francisco has one of the oldest teams in the MLB, so it may seem inevitable for them to become sellers before the trade deadline and acquire talented prospects from the minors. With that lingering on their mind, here are three names that would attract many of the contending franchises before August 2.
3 players Giants must trade if they sell at MLB trade deadline
It was ironic for the Giants to welcome a former rival in Joc Pederson to their clubhouse, but it turned out to be a terrific match. Pederson has been the squad's best hitter this season by tallying 17 HR and 41 RBI with a .259 AVG. Even with his outstanding numbers, he will unlikely become a massive piece for the retooling phase of the Giants as he is already 30 years of age.
There is the tendency for Joc Pederson to become inconsistent, so swinging a deal for him to bolster their minor league program would be the advisable move. As for the other teams intrigued by Pederson would be a team in dire need of power in the middle of the order. The San Diego Padres or the Boston Red Sox are some teams that must consider adding Pederson.
Wilmer Flores
Wilmer Flores has been the perfect utility man to complement almost any team throughout his career. As an individual who can play at nearly every position, he could fill in the void of a formidable team by maximizing his versatility and all-around prowess. Additionally, his offensive production has been a revelation for the Giants this year, so that they could pounce on this rare opportunity.
Like Joc Pederson, Flores is not on a similar timeline as the core of the Giants. Wilmer Flores is the type of player that would not complain about the lack of playing time or being in the lower half of the batting order. That type of personality would fit tremendously in an organization that will compete for a deep playoff run.
Carlos Rodon
Carlos Rodon was the signing that San Francisco pursued to replace the contributions of Kevin Gausman. Having Rodon and Logan Webb at the top of their rotation has been remarkable for manager Gabe Kapler, but he will enter free agency in 2024. As a no. 2 or no.3 starter for a stacked team, the Giants will be able to receive a haul of young assets which could be developed in the next several years.
Having that 2.70 ERA and 124 K's this season has been commendable, but it does not seem like a long-term solution for San Francisco. Having that lefty starter will be an incredible piece because it would force the hand of the opposing manager to remove some of his players who have trouble hitting against lefties. Among the three names, Carlos Rodon is the one that would be tough to deal with and trade, but it may seem to be the intelligent move for the franchise.
The Giants fans expected to go on a winning trajectory after last season's record, but that has not materialized this season. Going in the opposite direction is difficult to accept, but that must be the plausible move for them this season.
Follow Us
Subscribe