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

By Daniel Sperry

Jul 24, 2017

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 09: Manager Bruce Bochy #15 of the San Francisco Giants takes the ball from pitcher Johnny Cueto #47 taking him out of the game against the Miami Marlins in the top of the seventh inning at AT&T Park on July 9, 2017 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 30: Johnny Cueto #47 of the San Francisco Giants reacts after the final out of the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 30, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Yes. I think this is the likely landing spot. Johnny Cueto has had some issues this season, but is a known quantity come postseason time. The Astros could use another front-line starter if they’re going to be taken as serious World Series threats. The big thing? They wouldn’t be gutting their farm system with this deal, and could potentially shed Cueto’s contract in the offseason anyways. Cueto did want to end his career in the AL though, and if he goes, he’ll want to go to a contender.

Derek Fisher is a stud outfield prospect, which the Astros have plenty of, and plenty of big league level stoppers. They still have both Kyle and Preston Tucker, plus George Springer, and Josh Reddick. Losing Derek Fisher wouldn’t be all that painful. Fisher is a big time performer in AAA with the Fresno Grizzlies, and would immediately start in Left Field in San Francisco. Yordan Alvarez is a “long way off” first base prospect. I’ll explain why he’s necessary in the next trade.

The Astros have an insanely stacked farm system, and are loaded at the outfield position. Cueto makes them a true world series contender if he can get it together when his blisters go away.