Starting pitchers the San Francisco Giants could pursue prior to the trade deadline

Given the San Francisco Giants’ recent slump of form, big trades will most definitely be in the offing, prior to the 31st of July, non-waiver, trade deadline. One of the Giants’ biggest needs, is to trade for a bonafide starting pitcher, who can help them get their postseason chase, back-on-track. With many teams being big sellers, here is a list of the starters the Giants could potentially pursue.

Jeff Samardzija: Just like most of the Chicago Cubs’ starters, Samardzija has been subject to many trade rumours. He had a blistering first half of the season, compiling a 2.83 ERA, a 3.06 FIP and a 1.20 WHIP over 108 dazzling innings. Naturally, he will demand a big package, a package which the Giants could most certainly put together.

David Price: Whilst Price did get off to a slow start, raising questions over his inflating numbers and his diminishing velocity, he has recently started to return to the ace he once was. Over his past few starts, Price has been tremendous, with his fastball raising a few miles per hour, he notched his 1000th career K, compiling several quality starts along the way. Again, he would demand a big package, but again, the Giants could easily muster up a suitable package.

Jason Hammel: The once hard throwing starter, has changed his game and above all, upped his game. Set to join a long line of pitchers signed by the Cubs on a one-year-deal and flipped before to trade deadline, Hammel will almost certainly be moved. Just like Scott Feldman and Paul Maholm, Hammel will be likely packing his bags, but are the Giants contenders? Whilst Hammel fits in nicely to San Francisco, teams with smaller farms like the Angels and Yankees are more likely to grab Hammel.

Andrew Cashner, Brandon McCarthy and Bronson Arroyo: All three arms could be dealt before the trade deadline, and all three arms could be nice fits for San Francisco. However, there is one massive problem, it is highly unlikely the Diamondbacks/Padres would be willing to move a player to their division rivals, most likely ruling them out. But – you never quite know, Cashner would be the creme of the crop.

Cliff Lee: The veteran lefty is likely to be shopped by his team, the Philadelphia Phillies. Match their massive payroll and their unimpressive performances and consequential poor record, and you have a team which will be shopping. The highly decorated starter would demand a rather large package, but he could be worth it. Even amidst a struggling Phillies team, he has posted a tidy 3.18 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP and a 2.65 FIP. Above all, Lee brings oceans of experience and the ability to thrive in the postseason.

Jake Arrieta: Just because he belongs to the Chicago Cubs, it is assumed Arrieta could be moved. Arrieta may have never been an ace, but with a massive June he was exploded onto the trade scene, posting a 0.92 ERA, 0.67 WHIP over 39 innings in the month of June. Over the year, he now owns a tidy 1.81 ERA and a 1.95 FIP. If the Cubs are genuinely interested in moving their talented young arm, the Giants could be perfect suitors.

A.J. Burnett, Justin Masterson: Two talented righties could be shopped by their respected teams. Whilst both Burnett and Masterson could be neat fits in San Francisco, I highly doubt the Giants will pursue either. Nonetheless, stranger things have happened in the trade market, and hence all possibilities must be explored.