San Francisco Giants reliever Sam Dyson is an underrated trade chip

He’s not the most talked about trade chip on the roster, but San Francisco Giants reliever Sam Dyson could fetch a handsome return as well.

Much of the buzz surrounding the San Francisco Giants and what figures to be a busy trade deadline has centered around veteran starter Madison Bumgarner and lights-out closer Will Smith.

As one of the most decorated postseason performers in MLB history and one of the most overpowering relievers in the game, respectively, that’s not surprising.

Lefty reliever Tony Watson and corner infielder Pablo Sandoval have also been mentioned regularly on the rumor mill.

While all those players have value and it appears possible or even likely that they will be dealt this summer, the trade chip that no one is talking about is Sam Dyson.

Dyson, 31, was acquired from the Texas Rangers in exchange for minor league outfielder Hunter Cole on June 6, 2017.

After a breakout season in 2017 where he racked up 38 saves with a 2.43 ERA in 73 appearances, he was shelled to the tune of a 10.80 ERA and 2.58 WHIP in his first 17 games in 2018 before he was designated for assignment.

He was able to right the ship following the trade with a 4.03 ERA in 38 games, and he was back to excellent form last year with 15 holds and three saves in 74 appearances, to go along with a 2.69 ERA and 1.08 WHIP.

The right-hander has been even better this year, logging 12 holds with a 2.54 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and a career-best .216 opponents’ batting average in 37 games.

With team control through the 2020 season, he’s more than just a rental arm for teams looking to bolster their relief corps for the stretch run and beyond.

His 3.18 FIP backs his strong surface-level numbers and he’s benefitted greatly from a career-low 1.4 BB/9.

For teams looking to add a reliable setup option with plenty of high-leverage experience, and not willing to pay the price for someone like Will Smith or Ken Giles, Dyson is an extremely attractive option at a lower price point.

With multiple in-house options waiting in the wings, the San Francisco Giants front office should not hesitate to gut the bullpen this summer if the right offers come along.

Given his strong performance since the start of 2018 and his extra year of control, it’s not out of the question to think the Giants could land an organizational top-15 prospect if the right team comes calling.

Sam Dyson is not the flashiest trade chip on the roster or the most valuable.

However, he is an extremely underrated trade chip, and San Francisco Giants fans might be pleasantly surprised by the type of return he generates.