1 trade target that addresses an important need for the SF Giants

The SF Giants brought in Jake Lamb last week to add some competition for the left-handed-hitting infielder role. However, one trade target would be a much better fit than any of the internal options at the moment: Willi Castro.

1 trade target that addresses an important need for the SF Giants

The Giants' current infield alignment leans heavily in favor of right-handed hitters. Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Tyler Fitzgerald, and Wilmer Flores all hit from the right side. LaMonte Wade Jr. is the only left-handed-hitting infielder among the projected starters.

The competition for the left-handed-hitting utility bat is light and there are not too many viable options lingering in free agency. Lamb is joined by Brett Wisely and Sergio Alcántara in that group. The odds of Lamb or Alcántara making the team are low given that they are non-roster players.

On the other hand, Wisely is capable of handling the middle infield spots but he has been a below-average hitter since joining San Francisco two offseasons ago. He did have a nice stretch in the middle of the 2024 season but slumped badly as the season progressed.

This is where Castro comes into play. The Detroit Tigers non-tendered him after the 2022 season. In a bit of a surprise, the Giants did not land him at that time even though he is a switch-hitting utility bat with experience at a lot of different positions. He was exactly the type of player that the prior regime targeted.

Castro has found a nice role since landing with Minnesota. In a Twins uniform, the 27-year-old hitter has slashed .251/.334/.395 (108 wRC+) with an 8.1 percent walk rate, 23.9 percent strikeout rate, and .144 ISO. This includes a .758 OPS against left-handed pitching during that stretch, so he offers some leverage in platoon matchups.

Castro appeared in 158 games last season while earning an AL All-Star nod. Since he hits from both sides and can play in the infield and outfield, he easily finds his way into the lineup. The six-year veteran is not necessarily strong at any one position but is passable at a lot of spots in the field.

He is a free agent after the 2025 season and has a relatively low ceiling. Despite this, he is the puzzle piece that would fit on a lot of rosters, including the Giants. The cost would likely not be more than a mid-level prospect.

However, one deal that could make sense is sending LaMonte Wade Jr. to the Twins. Carlos Santana was the Twins' everyday first baseman last year but he departed to join the Cleveland Guardians. Both Wade Jr. and Castro have one year of team control and bring similar value to the table. It is a deal that could make sense for both sides.