San Francisco Giants rumor roundup: Latest OF trade chatter (Gomez/Upton), Pagan’s starting status, Greinke FA pursuit and Lincecum’s last stand

Jul 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) watches the flight of his eighth inning home run against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

More outfield targets emerge

More than a few outfielders have been tied to the Giants leading up to the trade deadline, and it’s not hard to see why. Hunter Pence and Nori Aoki have both missed a lot of time with injuries, Angel Pagan looks to be on his last legs (more on that later) and there’s no shortage of potent outfield bats rumored to be on the market.

I still think Gerardo Parra represents the best pickup for San Francisco for a few reasons outlined here, but several higher-profile options have recently been brought up.

According to Zach Helfand of the Los Angeles Times, the Giants are in on both Justin Upton (Padres) and Jay Bruce (Reds)—a pair of power-hitting corner outfielders who would come with similarly hefty price tags. It wouldn’t be surprising to see these two change homes given their teams’ respective struggles, but I don’t see either going to the Giants since they would likely demand multiple blue-chip prospects. 

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Of the two, I’d say Bruce is the more likely target since a) the Reds are in a different division and b) he could be packaged with one of his teammates who has been tied to the Giants in the past—Mike Leake.

An even bigger target being floated is Carlos Gomez, who is having a bit of a down year following two-straight MVP-caliber seasons (.284 BA, 23.5 HR, 37 SB average). Bringing in a player like Gomez would be a franchise-altering move, but would require moving Pagan and, just like with Upton and Bruce, demand top young talent.

Speaking of top young talent, the No. 1 prospect of interest for other teams is 2014 first-round pick Tyler Beede, according to Bruce Bochy. If the Giants do move on a high-end outfielder, expect the Double-A pitcher to be in the mix.

Next: Onto Pagan's status