San Francisco Giants Winter Meetings Mock Trade: Joe Panik on the Move

The 2018 MLB Winter Meetings are just a few weeks away, so we’ll start looking at some mock trades that could happen for the San Francisco Giants.

At the Winter Meetings, the first trade I think the San Francisco Giants should consider is moving second baseman Joe Panik.

I know a lot of Giants fans aren’t ready to give up on the homegrown product, but I think both sides would benefit from parting ways.

The Giants would also be selling low on a once-promising player who has made an All-Star game and won a Gold Glove.

But more than anything, I think the Giants need to move on from Panik so they can find a major upgrade in free agency, and so they can help rebuild the farm system.

Again, you’re selling low on Panik, but I think the Giants can still get a nice return for the second baseman who will likely make around $5 million next season and is under control through 2020.

The one problem is that there are not a lot of teams out there in need of a second baseman. An obvious team that comes to mind is Minnesota.

The Twins just won 85 games in 2017 and reached the playoffs, and the American League Central may only get weaker if Cleveland decides to cut payroll. It’s very possible the Twins could contend in the Central next season with a good, young pitching staff, but they desperately need some help on offense.

I actually think the Giants would be kind of lucky to get this quality of a package for Panik, but that’s what I’m hoping for at least.

Blayne Enlow is a top 10 prospect for the Twins who posted a 3.26 ERA in Single-A last year over 94 innings pitched with 71 strikeouts. He was taken by the Twins in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft.

The right-handed pitcher would instantly become one of the best pitching prospects in the Giants organization.

John Curtiss is someone who has some big league experience, but has struggled there with a 7.20 ERA in 15 innings pitched. But the 25-year-old has been dominant at the minor league level, so it’s an upside play for the Giants.

Curtiss also gives the Giants someone they can possibly plug right into their bullpen.

This is the type of deal I hope the San Francisco Giants explore for Joe Panik. It would help them bolster their farm system and move some money off the books, giving them the chance to make a spalsh in the free agent market for a replacement at second base.