SF Giants: 6 blockbuster trade proposals for ‘untradeable’ players

5 of 6

Jeff Samardzija #29 and Johnny Cueto #47 of the SF Giants sit in the dugout. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

SF Giants trade proposal: Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija traded within NL West

Pitchers Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija may be the most valuable trade assets the Giants have as long as they continue to pitch as they had in the past few seasons. So where the previous trade ideas were more focussed on get out-from-under the contracts and gambling on future talent, this is where the Giants can pull some value in return.

It may not seem strange that the most valuable Giants are traded off along with other pieces, but the acquisitions they get in return are long-term assets.

Will Myers would be a huge addition to the Giants in the long-term. Like some of the Giants in the previous trade proposals, Myers has dealt with numerous injuries, preventing him from playing up to expectations or to the value of his contract. After hitting 58 home runs and swiping 48 bags between 2016 and 2017, he has been limited to 29 dingers and 29 stolen bases with a .245/.320/.430 slash line.

It is a hefty deal too with over $20 million owed to Myers through 2022 with a club option for another $20 million in 2023. But besides being able play third base and the outfield, would become the heir apparent to the first base role after Belt as the Giants do not have a long-term solution at that corner.

Blake Walston is an 18-year-old who was hitting up to 97 mph in his first season of pro ball and backs it up with a filthy curveball in the mid-to-upper 70s. Though he only pitched in 11 innings through the rookie levels in 2019, he struck out 17 batters and finished with a 2.45 ERA to go with a .909 WHIP. He was so electric last year and through his senior year of high school that MLB.com ranked Wlaston as Arizona’s top pitching prospect and sixth overall.

Trayce Thompson is an athletic slugging outfielder who, despite finishing with 24 home runs in 371 plate appearances in Triple-A, was released by the Cleveland Indians last season because he continued to struggle with contact at the plate and averaged .219. However, in spring training, Thompson was hitting .346 and had mashed four home runs prior to the suspension of spring training. Adding him would be a bonus, especially is he signed an extended contract with the Giants.