9:19PM: “Pretty much anyone not Logan Webb” could be discussed by the Giants in trade talks, as per Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
8:17PM: The Giants have gone 11-22 over their last 33 games, dropping them below the .500 mark and putting them four games outside of the NL wild card race. While the club was reportedly resistant on being deadline sellers as recently as three days ago, the Giants “now listening on their veterans” in trade talks, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman (Twitter link). MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand also tweeted that according to a rival executive, San Francisco was seemingly “ready to sell.”
Assuming that the Giants are indeed poised to become sellers to some extent, they immediately become an intriguing team to watch prior to Tuesday’s 5pm CT trade deadline. President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has taken a measured approach to selloffs in the past, even during the 2019 and 2020 deadlines when the Giants had a lot more impetus to fully tear down an aging and expensive roster. A major overhaul certainly doesn’t seem in the works this time around, as since the Giants are less than a season removed from winning 107 games, Zaidi certainly must feel his group can return to contention in 2023 (or could even regroup for a late playoff push this year).
Pending free agents are the most obvious trade candidates, and Carlos Rodon would immediately be a major new entry in the pitching market if the Giants made him available. The left-hander is in the midst of an outstanding season, and recently unlocked a vesting option that allows Rodon to opt out of his contract following the season. Rodon is owed $22.5MM in 2023, but since he can surely land a much more lucrative and longer-term pact in free agency, he looks like a sure bet to exercise his opt-out clause.
The White Sox decided against issuing a qualifying offer to Rodon last winter, and thus he is still eligible for the QO tag this offseason now that we know the qualifying offer system will still be in place. The Giants can recoup a compensatory draft pick in exchange for Rodon’s services if he does sign elsewhere, and thus if any rivals teams are interested in Rodon at the deadline, they’ll have to offer San Francisco something of greater value than that compensatory pick. Speculatively, that could be a player closer to the big leagues, since someone who can provide more immediate help might be preferable for a Giants team that plans to win next year.
As for other free agents, Wilmer Flores, Dominic Leone, and Joc Pederson would all garner interest, though Pederson was just placed on the seven-day concussion IL. A team would be taking some risk in acquiring Pederson given the unpredictable nature of concussion-related symptoms, and of course the Giants’ return in a Pederson trade would be impacted by this uncertainty.
Evan Longoria is also on the injured list, as a right hamstring strain has continued an injury-plagued year for the veteran third baseman. The Giants hold a $13MM club option on Longoria for 2023 that doesn’t look too likely to be exercised at this point, though Longoria has also stated that he might retire after the season. Since Longoria has already started fielding drills is expected back in the first week or two of August, another team could take a flier on a veteran who has still quite well when healthy. Longtime Giant Brandon Belt is also a free agent after the year, though a trade doesn’t seem too likely since Belt has also battled injuries and is having only an okay year at the plate. Belt can also decline any trade due to his rights as a 10-and-5 veteran.
Belt to a Team that’s looking for a DH like Rays or Mets or Astros or Guardians or Twins.
Ruf or Casai a team could use.
Belt wouldn’t return a clubhouse cat, his knees are terrible.
He was elite in 2020 and 2021 and a rental. A contender like Houston will definitely be interested.
Belt CAN’T run w/o going on the DL… can’t state it more plainly than that and his prognosis is eventual knee replacement.
Belt. Nobody wants that . He can barley walk let alone run
He didn’t even play 100 games last year. Hard to be elite when you’re in street clothes all the time.
LOL
Barley is what they make beer from. Or at least malted barley. Not sure what barley has to do with Belt though.
Wait a minute … I thought Kapler was the greatest manager since Casey Stengel?
Yet he hit 29 hrs and a 159 ops+. Have a seat sweetie.
yet he’s still played almost 100 more games than Tatis in the last 4 years
Mark Feinsand reports that a rival exec believes a clubhouse cat is in play.
Feinsand reports that a rival exec insists that a clubhouse cat is in play.
The washing machine was out of the question, cat only
I don’t understand why no one asks for cases of urinal cakes anymore. I guess it’s the analytics but I don’t really know.
Zaidi doing anything or just scougering the dumpsters?
The Mark Feinsand report is BS. The rival exec “believes” they’re ready to sell?
VAGiants? cool name
Pederson and Flores would be perfect for Atlanta.
Braves in talks with KC for Michael Taylor
I don’t want Michael Taylor.
Yeah, I’ve seen reports that say Michael Taylor, others have stated Ian Happ for their temporary hole at 2B, and hole in the OF…Others have said they’re possibly looking at a package deal with Chicago for 2B/OF Ian Happ and relief pitcher David Robertson with Chicago’s return being centered around either Jared Shuster or Kyle Muller..
They have a decent arm showing up in a couple days. Definitely within the fortnight.
https://twitter.com/DaveLezotte/status/1553502667510620160
No.
Yea imo Joc would be just for insurance to the outfield with Duvall going down. Still rather see an outfield of Acuna, Harris and Rosario with Ozuna DH. Pinch hitters are not nearly as important anymore with the new DH rule. Trading Drew Waters for a draft pick kind of thinned out that OF and farm depth even tho he was not progressing as many hoped he would.
I’d avoid Flores. Don’t know why better wver since he was rumored of being traded for Carlos Gomez and he cried I just didn’t like him. My mind always goes to Coach Dugan “Are you crying? There’s no crying in baseball”
Stupid reason to dislike a player but there’s no crying in baseball.
Really stupid reason to dislike a player, indeed. When he cried, it showed his feelings and loyalty towards his team and the game. He would eventually become a real rock and savvy vet in the SF clubhouse. He gives his all, and it shows. If he gets traded, a lot of fans will miss him.
Wilmer is getting traded for Carlos Gomez until the deal hits a snag. It’s crazy though if you look at the butterfly effect from that trade falling through. Gomez winds up on the Mets and Mike Fiers never goes to Houston. We never know about the scandal and Carlos Baerga may still be managing the Mets. Also Josh Hader never goes to Milwaukee and may never have the opportunity to be the pitcher he is today if he stays in Houston. Its fascinating how much that nixed trade changes baseball history.
Carlos Beltran*
@joe. I myself am curious how the BBWAA writers react to Beltran’s first go round on the HOF ballot.
I see you too watch Stark Raving Sports
I’m ashamed of how much Youtube I watch. The older I get though, it’s easier to watch 8-10 minute videos than it is one hour shows.
Most cable TV sucks anymore, imo. Only show I’m watching right now is Better Call Saul.
Last time I heard the name Mike Friars he no hit the Dodgers and then 11 days later Jake Arrieta no hit the Dodgers. Forgot who pitched for tbe Dodgers. Kris Bryant hit a 2 run home run in the 1st inning and the cubs won 2-0. I wanna say that was in late August.
Flores back to the Mets? It brought him to tears when he was nearly traded away before.
If it doesn’t require a real prospect or a major ML piece, in a heart-beat. Maybe a 20-30 rank prospect and JD Davis?
Rodon! Now you’re talking. I could get excited about him. He could be the missing link for the Yankees.
He’s pretty electric when he’s on
How about Miguel Andujar for Rodon? He certainly is more of a sure thing than a compensatory pick. He obviously has major league experience and arguably should have won the ROY. The man can rake and I think he is controllable through 2023? and wants to be traded. The Yankees will have to take on Rodon’s remaining salary which might be an obstacle.
Good to know Yankees fans still overvalue their guys as much as ever.
Lmfao, fking hilarious kid.
Nice try at the spin, Despite his hitting at AAA, the Giants can do much better than Andujar as a return for Rodon.
guys i think it was a joke
If you trade Andujar fir Rodon, who will you trade for Juan Soto???
Joc Pederson is living off his hot start, the guy has been horrid the last month. July he’s played 22 games with a .133/.221/.200 triple slash. Combine that with his defense and I’d rather take a slap to the face. If anyone offers them value for Joc, SF should jump at it and buy him a first class plane ticket.
Joc has always been like this
Other than 2 clutch post season homers Joc was pretty mediocre in Atlanta.
Pretty sure the Braves aren’t complaining
We’ll take it but the return was a 22 year old 1B prospect in A ball picked in the 24th round so we didn’t have to give up much to get him
Joc started pretty well in Atlanta, hit a skid, and then lost ABs because every OF they got was hitting. End of the day though, I don’t see how you can call a guy mediocre who helped them win a WS.
Probably because his stats were mediocre
I’m a Braves fan. Saw his NLDS 3 run homer live. He won the game, but his stats for the season were still mediocre. I would not want the Braves to get him back hoping he does the same thing again in the post season.
Same goes for Jorge Soler. Braves we’re fortunate to cobble together that OF last year, and they won a WS. Soler and Pederson strike out way too much, give you the occasional dinger, and are just passable in the field. I’d rather take my chances with Michael Taylor or Merrifield.
Tough spot. Aging middling veterans played way above their head last year. None of those names are all that appealing outside of Rodon.
Wilmer Flores CAN PLAY, he would be valuable to a WS contender.
Bring him back to New York (not worth top 100 prospect though) and trade Vogelbach to another team who needs to platoon their DH.
If you’ve watch Flores the past few years on the Giants you should know he IS worth a top 50 prospect. If he’s traded elsewhere, I hope the Giants re-sign him. He is far more valuable than just his offense.
Pederson and Rodon to the Jays would be a good start to the deadline
Yes sir, lefty pitching and a lefty bat off the bench.
“Listening” but no one is talking….
The San Francisco Giants. LOL
I love that whole “listening” concept. As if any team wouldn’t listen when it costs nothing. to do so. Would any PBO/GM not take a call from another team, because they refuse to listen? Seems like it would be smart to always be listening no matter the situation.
tad2b13 I’d like a dictionary for all these industry terms used by sports writers. To your point, when does the term “listening” become significant? When is a team officially “interested” in someone?
Hey Von, that a good idea, A Glossary/dictionary of industry terms would help. It could be things like “listening = considering”..
Feel like this is a bit of a lame thing to come out on Will Clark number retirement day if I’m being honest. Thanks for the great speech, I loved watching you play!
What a great player. I also really enjoyed watching him.
You’re the second person I’ve heard say that the Will Clark speech was great tonight. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks…
I loved watching Will Clark play. One of my favorite baseball players to watch during his whole at bat and routine at the plate. I know he didn’t have the numbers but he’s Hall of Fame in my book. Not a Giants fan either, this comes from a Reds fan.
The Will Clark speech today is one of the best I’ve ever heard from an athlete. It was totally from the heart. He said, I’m Will The Thrill, I’m San Francisco and I’m a Giant.
Forever Giant #22 Will Clark
Thanks for the great memories !!
Was the best way to end a speech and left tears in me and my girl (not a huge baseball fans) eyes! The thrill is never gone though!
“Everyone but Logan Webb, is available.”
Good job Farhan, if true.
Does Longoria also have 10 and 5 rights? He’s in his fifth season with SF. Does he not get that until he has finished 5 full seasons with them (2023)?
Correct, he has to finish 5 full seasons with the giants before 10-5 rights kick i
Thank you!
This could go 47 different ways
I thought is was 50, Paul…
Rodon is the ticket here
Rodon to the cards for mccgrevey and holgarte
McGrevey is a good start, but Holgate has shown nothing yet. At any rate, I would expect the Giants can do much better than what you suggest for Rodon.
Wilmer Flores is a solid, professional hitter. He would add depth to any team.
Yeah seemed like SF were imposters last year.
I’m scared as a Jays fan what Rodon would cost.
Slater should be considered as a trade piece. He’s having a good year with a wrc+ of 144. He’s not a free agent until 2025 and he’s 29. Not that he’d get a big haul but he’d still be something. Why the Giants are platooning him is beyond me. He’s .305 vs lefties and .271 vs righties. I don’t understand a lot of things that the Giants are doing this year.
Kapler has said that “Austin should be an everyday player,” and I think SF is ready to let him do so. Overdue.
crazybaseballgal:
Disagree about Slater. If the Giants were going into a full rebuild, I’d be onboard trading him. But they want to compete next year, and Slater is the kind of player they’ll need for that. Plus I doubt the return would be much in excess of his value, so why bother?
Slater would play more except that Kapler wants to get every guy some playing time. Not only does every guy need playing time, but some rest is a good thing, and keeps everyone a little more fresh. And it’s not just how Slater hits RHPs, but how well the lefty options hit those RHPs. For instance, Gonzalez hits .307 vs RHPs.
Can you be listening if the phone isn’t ringing though?
ha! if were giving up Rodon Joc and Flores we better be getting back top 50 prospects. No everyday players please and thank you
otherwise, were keeping everyone and making itvwork. Were still within striking distance. Actually, we need to upgrade our defense, so…
Trade Kapler for a lump of Cole.
By Jove, surely you jest!
Thairo Estrada’s injury yesterday could mean a significant IL stay, which will tax middle infield depth. This might make the front office more inclined to hold onto Wilmer, who can move around the infield.
I agree with that. Flores is more valuable – especially now – than most folks give him credit for. Fundamentally sound player which is a rare bird these days. Also, one oddball stat from the “take it for what it’s worth” department: Flores leads all MLB in pinch hit HRs since 2015 with 8.
“Listening”
C Curt Casali to MIN
1B DH Brandon Belt to TOR
1B DH Darin Ruf to MIL
3B DH Evan Longoria to CHW
IF Wilmer Flores to NYM
IF Tommy La Stella to ATL
OF Joc Peterson to SDP
OF Mike Yastrzemski to HOU
SP Carlos Rodon to NYY
SP Alex Cobb to TEX
SP Alex Wood to STL
RP John Brebbia to SEA
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Fantasy land to think Giants deal Joc within the division
Dixon Machado Iowa Cubs to Giants deal is getting finalized so maybe more willing to Trade a Infielder off MLB Roster.
Cobb/Casali/Longoria back to Rays.
yanks would do well to try and pick up cobb or woods. presumably rodon is heftily priced, but would be a huge addition too (just not volpe)
I would package Rondon, Flores and Peterson to any contender for their best Tier 1 SP and bring that s.o.b. right into the #5 rotation spot.
Those three players would be a huge upgrade/depth piece(s) for a contender.
Belt has been good in the past, but a real disappointing rally killer for quite a while, I cringe when he comes to bat, especially with men in scoring position, just sayin’….
So you watched last night’s game. If Belt would have come through just once that game would have ended differently. SF would be nuts to bring him back next year.
I’d love to see Longoria end his career in TB. Won’t happen, but it would be nice.