Giants rumor roundup: Cueto/Chapman trade speculation, San Francisco’s top draft targets, McGehee’s status and more
May 5, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) looks on over the dugout rail against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Reds pitchers enter trade discussion
Barring an unforeseen first-half surge, the Reds will be sellers at the trade deadline. Their two most attractive chips? Enter Johnny Cueto and Aroldis Chapman.
Could the Giants really be in play for these star pitchers? Over at Golden Gate Sports, Dan Fappiano floated some reasons as to why they could be. Let me build on his case for both.
Cueto: The Giants showed interest in adding another front-end starter in the offseason, going after James Shields and Jon Lester and inquiring about Cole Hamels. There’s also some degree of uncertainty surrounding every guy in the rotation not named Madison Bumgarner.
Chapman: The bullpen has been good, but not great, and pairing Chapman with Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo would give the Giants an undeniable 1-2-3 punch. Chapman would be the obvious choice for No. 1, in my opinion, with Romo and Casilla (and Javier Lopez, on occasion) getting him the ball.
More from SF Giants News
- SF Giants: The closer of the present and future has arrived
- SF Giants: Brandon Belt hits IL with fractured thumb
- SF Giants: 2021 team is approaching franchise milestone
- SF Giants: Brandon Belt is a qualifying offer candidate
- SF Giants: Outfielder Ka’ai Tom signed to minors deal
What’s more, both guys are on the last year of their long-term deals, and pitching has clearly been the strength of San Francisco in all of its even-numbered year success.
Still, much like the chatter surrounding an All-Star third baseman addition, the “why not” for the Giants making a deal remains more convincing. As this Bleacher Report article touches on, there are several teams more desperate for the help, not to mention that both Cueto and Chapman would command not one, but several, elite prospects.
It’s no secret that the organization is extremely thin down on the farm. Bobby Evans and co. could part with Kyle Crick or Tyler Beede. but both? Doubtful.
With that said, I could see San Francisco moving on a less heralded pitcher, particularly if there’s a bargain to be had. How Matt Cain and Jake Peavy perform when they return obviously factors into the equation as well.
Next: On to draft targets