San Francisco Giants: 5 keys to success in 2020

Trades

If the Giants continue to hover below .500, will team president Farhan Zaidi consider trading off some of the team’s talented veterans in exchange for prospects and younger players?

There no reason to think he’d be reluctant to pull the trigger on trading free-agent-to-be Madison Bumgarner around the deadline if the team is struggling and a contender is willing to meet his asking price.

Others like Brandon Belt, Derek Holland and Joe Panik could find themselves on the trade block as well, though it remains to be seen if there will be a market for their services.

The most obvious trade chips on the roster are in the bullpen, where closer Will Smith and setup relievers Tony Watson, Sam Dyson, and Trevor Gott could all be of interest this summer when contenders around the league are looking to upgrade their relief corps.

Trades are going to be the best way for the Giants to improve their roster.

Attracting free agents has always been a struggle, so maximizing their trade chips to bolster the farm system will be key.

This is not a suggestion that Zaidi should burn the house down and start from scratch. He should be ready and willing to deal any veteran on the roster if the price is right, though.