San Francisco Giants: 3 waiver trade targets the team can still pursue after July 31 deadline

Jul 10, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Marlon Byrd (9) singles in the ninth inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Reds won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Bench power hitter: Marlon Byrd

Marlon Byrd’s no spring chicken, but at age 37, there’s still one thing he does very well: hit for power. In 327 plate appearances this season, the outfielder has 18 home runs to go with a .485 slugging percentage—totals that would rank him first and third, respectively, if he were to come over to San Francisco.

As you probably already gathered, the Giants could use some help in those departments. Yes, the long ball might be a little overrated, but having Byrd to spot start and pinch hit off the bench would give the lineup something it’s been missing all season. Let’s call it the “Morse factor.”

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With our once beloved Moose now in Pittsburgh courtesy of the Dodgers, getting a similar-but-better masher on a $2-3 million rental would be a great way of flipping the bird (Byrd?) to our divisional rivals, figuratively speaking.

Justin Maxwell would be squeezed as a result, but the offense-for-defense tradeoff would be worth it, particularly if the Giants are able to make it to the Fall Classic. Turn back the clock to the 2002 World Series, when our DHs were Tsuyoshi Shinjo and Pedro Feliz, and I’m sure you’ll agree.

Next: Onto third waiver trade target