Five Giants Rumors Before The Trade Deadline
With just four days remaining before the July 31st MLB trade deadline, rumors around the league are heating up. The Giants currently sit one game back of the first-place Dodgers and are considered buyers looking to add a piece.
On the offensive end, they are comfortable with the starters they have. Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford are considered the best in the league at their respective positions, while Joe Panik, Matt Duffy and Brandon Belt round out a pretty good infield for the next few years. Hunter Pence is healthy and hitting the ball well, while Nori Aoki and Angel Pagan provide the speed and lead-off hitting the team needed.
Starting pitching may be a different story, and they could always use a decent bat off the bench. Here are five possible players the Giants may trade for in the next few days:
5. David Price, SP
With starting pitching being a main priority, David Price could be on the market. He has pitched well for the Detroit Tigers this year, posting a 9-3 record with a 2.31 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. The Tigers haven't decided if they are sellers or if they are going to compete (currently four games back of a wild card position), but for the right price (no pun in tended), the Giants could nab a solid No. 2 starter.
4. Cole Hamels, SP
His name has been in trade rumors since February and he is one of the top pitchers on the trade block this year. He has tumbled a bit over his last few starts, but he has the potential to be an all-star talent. With a 6-7 record on the worst team in the league, his 3.64 ERA is still decent for a guy who allowed 14 runs in the last three starts (including a no-hitter). He is owed more than $90 million over the next four years, so the Giants may not gamble on Hamels.
3. Jeff Samardzija, SP
The White Sox are becoming more willing to part with Samardzija, according to Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago, and the Giants may take a chance on him. He hasn't been as dominant as he was last year with the Cubs and A's, but a 7-5 record and a 3.91 ERA could be a good bargain. The Giants don't want to give up any top prospects, so buying low may be their best shot for lightning in a bottle.
2. Mike Leake, SP
This one is more realistic for the Giants. He's not a dominant pitcher like the previous options are, but he's consistent and could be a good third starter. He is younger than the other candidates (27), and has been an above average pitcher playing half of his games in a tin can of a ball park in Cincinnati. He would be a free agent at the end of the season, and is only owed $9,750,000 this year (the Giants would pay less than half of that). He is a low risk option, but the return may not be the greatest.
1. Gerardo Parra, OF
The first non-pitcher rumor that could legitimately help the Giants bench, Parra was a longtime Diamondback. The Giants were reportedly interested in him for years, but a trade was highly unlikely due to the D-backs and Giants being in the same division. Now that he is on the Brewers (oh, hey, look who the Giants are hosting next), a trade could be possible. He doesn't have power, but his defense, speed and contact are a perfect fit for this type of lineup. The 28-year-old will be a free agent this winter, so a cheap rental is a possible option to bolster the bench.