San Francisco Giants: Alternative Ways to Deal With Left Field

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Sep 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a double in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade for J.D. Martinez

We couldn’t stand to leave this out as an alternate option. The J.D. Martinez Trade is something to talk about, because the Giants have allowed it to continue to fester. When the trade talks were reported, the Giants did nothing to dispel the talks, only adding to the legitimacy of the rumor. In denying the Pablo Sandoval talk, and not denying the J.D. Martinez talk, the Giants sent a message. They won’t refute a rumor if it’s true.

J.D. Martinez is a significant upgrade at the plate for left field. However, he is not an upgrade defensively. Those numbers from last year in right field should be bad enough to keep Joe Panik off the table. If Panik, Christian Arroyo, or Tyler Beede are on the table, the Giants should literally laugh and hang up the phone. J.D. Martinez would be nice to have, yes. Not at the price of Joe Panik, especially when the Giants could get him in free agency next season anyways. If the price is too high, and the Tigers don’t cut it, then the Giants won’t pull this trigger.