San Francisco Giants: 5 trades to make before Monday’s deadline

4 of 6

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JULY 21: Manager Bruce Bochy #15 of the San Francisco Giants takes the ball from relief pitcher Hunter Strickland #60 taking Strickland out of the game against the San Diego Padres in the top of the eighth inning at AT&T Park on July 21, 2017 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Hunter Strickland has clearly caused a few headaches for the Giants, and while they don’t have the strongest bullpen at the moment, Strickland might be better served with a change of scenery. It’s not that he’s not performing, because he’s been pretty good. But the Giants have clearly been upset with the way things have gone with him recently, including that brawl with Bryce Harper.

The Rays need some cheaper bullpen help if they’re going to make a run at the Wild Card. The Giants and Rays have had a few trades back and forth recently, and of course everyone would immediately think “Matt Duffy!” But the issue is that Duffy hasn’t played since last season because of injury, and that would be stupid, especially if you aren’t getting anything back in return. A good move for the Giants would be shipping Strickland to Tampa for a prospect that is good, but not a significant piece in the system. The Rays aren’t deep on MLB ready talent in their system, so the Giants won’t be getting a piece like that back.

I’ve mentioned Jesus Sanchez before, and he is an outfield prospect I’m intrigued by. He’s an all around player, who does everything well, but really excells as a fielder. The Giants would be smart to ask for him. If that doesn’t work out, Jake Bauers is a name that some like, as a more MLB ready type prospect. The Giants could go that route, but they’d be essentially adding a Brandon Belt. They may have to give up more though, since Bauers is a top 100 prospect, and I don’t see Strickland bringing back a top 100 guy.