3 dream scenarios at the trade deadline for the SF Giants, and 1 nightmare outcome

The SF Giants have some work to do ahead of the MLB trade deadline. With the wild card still within reach, fans are hoping for another big splash. Here are three dream scenarios, and one nightmare outcome for the Giants at this year's trade deadline.

3 dream scenarios at the trade deadline for the SF Giants, and one nightmare outcome

Dream: Giants land power-hitting 1B/DH at deadline

There are three that come to mind here. The Orioles' Ryan O'Hearn, the Diamondbacks' Josh Naylor, and the Braves' Marcell Ozuna could all be dealt, and all would greatly improve the Giants' lineup. Naylor is hitting .293 with an .810 OPS. His 125 OPS+ is the second-best mark of his career. O'Hearn has a career high.828 OPS in 87 games, and looks like the best all-around DH available at the deadline. Unless Ozuna is dealt by Atlanta. The veteran has not replicated his fourth-place MVP season from 2024, but is still one of the best hitters in the league, and has a 112 OPS+ so far in 2025.

Dream: Giants land Seth Lugo, create three-headed monster atop rotation

Lugo might be the best starting pitcher available at this year's deadline. In 18 starts with the Kansas City Royals, the 35-year-old has a 6-5 record and a 2.94 ERA, the best of his career as a starter. If the Giants could land Lugo, they could stack a three-headed monster of Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Lugo as the best 'big three' starters in the league. If they can't find ways to improve the offense, the Giants might as well double down on pitching.

Dream: Giants trade Robbie Ray while value is high, land big-name prospect in return

If the Giants decide to sell Ray at the deadline, the only way it is worth it is if the team gets big-name prospects in return. One team to watch is the Toronto Blue Jays. Ray had success with Toronto in the past, winning the 2021 AL Cy Young with the Jays. Toronto is going to need pitching if it wants to hold off the Yankees and Red Sox in the AL East, and might be willing to pay a premium for Ray. The Blue Jays have two prospects in the MLB Pipeline's top 60. Could the Giants get both for Ray? It would be a dream scenario.

Nightmare: Giants stand pat, rest of the NL West improves

This is probably the worst-case scenario for the Giants, and for obvious reasons. If the Giants decide they are not "all-in" and ready to buy, but also don't want to sell veterans like Ray, they lose any chance to improve now or in the future. Meanwhile, San Diego and Los Angeles are likely going to be going all-in. Even Arizona could decide to buy and hope for another magical postseason run. If the Giants twiddle their thumbs and don't make a move, they likely punt on the season, while also failing to capitalize on Ray's value.