Where do San Francisco Giants players rank among top MLB trade chips?

Where do the San Francisco Giants top trade chips rank on the latest Top 50 list from MLBTradeRumors.com?

On Monday, MLBTradeRumors.com released their Top 50 Trade Candidates for the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline and it should come as no surprise that the San Francisco Giants were well represented.

Ahead is a quick rundown of each Giants player who appeared on the list and what Jeff Todd of MLBTradeRumors.com had to say about them.

Players are ranked based on a combination of their trade value and the likelihood that they are traded, so take that into account when digesting the following rankings.

1. RP Will Smith, San Francisco Giants

Here’s what was written about Smith:

"What really is there to say? A shut-down rental closer who throws from the left side and isn’t all that expensive ($4.225MM) … yeah, that’s going to be a popular trade target. Smith would upgrade every contender’s roster and suit every payroll. Accordingly, the acquisition cost will be high. Want more on Smith? Read this."

2. SP Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants

Here’s what was written about Bumgarner:

"This version of Bumgarner shares quite a few attributes with the vintage article, but there are some telltale signs of age and wear. He’s posting an 11.6% swinging-strike rate, but is allowing 1.35 home runs per nine. He’s back over 92 mph with his average fastball, but opposing hitters have an 89.7 mph exit velocity and 43.4% hard-hit rate (career-worst figures for MadBum). He’s affordable, but not a bargain at a $12MM annual salary. Bumgarner is a very good and highly likely trade candidate, but probably not a top-shelf rental starter who’ll draw high-end prospect talent."

6. RP Tony Watson, San Francisco Giants

Here’s what was written about Watson:

"It’s hard to imagine that [Watson] won’t change uniforms this summer. Watson has flaunted his exceptional command by leading the league with a ridiculous 42.9% chase rate and walking less than a batter per nine. He’s easily worth his own healthy $6.5MM payday. The deal also includes some not-insignificant incentive pay based upon appearances, along with a player option that provides Watson with injury/performance protection, so that’ll factor into the trade return."

11. RP Sam Dyson, San Francisco Giants

Here’s what was written about Dyson, who was lumped in with Tigers closer Shane Greene:

"Good setup men are always in demand, so these experienced high-leverage hurlers will hold appeal. Neither has to be dealt, with a season of arb control remaining, but the time feels right for a move in both cases. Neither is a dominant strikeout pitcher, but both feature quality K/BB numbers and good groundball rates. Dyson is earning his $5MM salary with 32 frames of 2.53 ERA pitching that’s fully supported by his peripherals (8.4 K/9 vs. 1.4 BB/9, 59.3% groundball rate)."

15. 1B/3B Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

Here’s what was written about Sandoval:

"We already took a look recently at the Panda, who’s available for sale or rent. TL;DR: If you’re a team of means by no means, he just might make you king of the road. (Sandoval has a 142 wRC+ away from Oracle Park, thus supporting my over-played cultural reference. Here’s a split of greater real-world relevance: the switch-hitter has been much better against right-handed pitching.)"

24. SP Jeff Samardzija, San Francisco Giants

Here’s what was written about Samardzija, who was lumped in with Royals starter Danny Duffy:

"Duffy is owed $15MM and change for this year and the two that follow; Shark is earning $18MM this season and next. Neither has been especially impressive this year, and both have shown velocity declines, but they’re each functioning as capable starters who could be useful pieces this year and into the future. Their respective clubs will need to eat money and temper expectations on the prospect side if they’re to make deals."

37. RP Mark Melancon, San Francisco Giants

Here’s what was written about Melancon, who was lumped in with Royals reliever Ian Kennedy:

"These two righties are vastly overpayed for their present ability levels, but that won’t preclude swaps. The former has found new life as a reliever; while he carries only a 3.86 ERA through 28 innings, he’s working at a highly promising combination of 11.6 K/9 and 1.6 BB/9. It’s the opposite case for Melancon, whose useful 3.49 ERA in 28 1/3 frames is not quite supported by the peripherals. He is sporting a 61.0% groundball rate but has seen his typically stingy walk rate jump to 3.8 per nine and he’s only managing 7.6 K/9 as his chase rate continues to plummet."

40. 1B Brandon Belt, San Francisco Giants

Here’s what was written about Belt, who was lumped in with Padres outfielder Wil Myers:

"In theory, each of these players can appear at the position stated for the other. But they’re most likely to be considered at the spots listed. Both have hefty contracts that aren’t likely to be picked up in full. In the case of Belt, concussion worries create long-term risk. As for Myers, he just hasn’t performed to the levels he’s being paid. But it’s not hard to imagine both players being of interest. Belt is back to being an under-appreciated hitter, with a .248/.372/.461 slash and nine home runs over 250 plate appearances."

42. OF Kevin Pillar, San Francisco Giants

Here’s what was written about Pillar, who was lumped in with Royals outfielder Billy Hamilton:

"These are specialized, glove-and-run pieces who’d only make sense for certain clubs. But there’s often a need for such players. Pillar and Hamilton haven’t proven capable of commanding regular time but could be handy reserve pieces."

Watch List

The following players appeared on the “watch list” which is essentially a collection of honorable mentions who didn’t crack the top 50:

• RP Trevor Gott
• SP/RP Dere Holland
• RP Reyes Moronta
• 2B Joe Panik
• SP Drew Pomeranz
• C Stephen Vogt

One thing is for sure, it’s going to be a busy summer for the San Francisco Giants.

Be sure to check out the entire article from MLBTradeRumors.com to get a better idea of what the trade market as a whole is going to look like this summer.