Bold SF Giants mock trade would bring former Cal product back to the Bay

It has recently been reported that the SF Giants may be open to trading first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. If they do, they should trade him for Marcus Semien who would boost their infield in a big way.

The report said that both Wade and veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski are two players the Giants would entertain dealing this offseason. It makes sense as both players are solid well-liked veterans, but the Giants feel like they need to shake things up after several years of mediocrity.

SF Giants could swap LaMonte Wade Jr. and rookie infielder for Marcus Semien in mock trade

Wade has been a solid contributor for the Giants since he was acquired in 2021. That magical 2021 season was his best year with the Giants as he slashed .253/.326/.482 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI. He has struggled with injuries since then, but he is still a solid contributor. Last season he hit .260/.380/.381 with 8 home runs and 34 RBI. That on base percentage of .380 is great, but his power numbers left a bit to be desired.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic notes that the Texas Rangers may be in the market for a left-handed bat so Wade may fit that bill. One player on the Rangers that should catch the eye of the Giants is second baseman Marcus Semien. The San Francisco native and graduate of Cal Berkeley has been a solid player for many years. In 2024 he hit .237/.308/.391 with 23 home runs and 74 RBI in an All-Star campaign.

He makes sense because the Giants need to improve up the middle and he played under manager Bob Melvin when he was on the Oakland A’s. Of course, a one-for-one swap of Wade for Semien would not entice the Rangers, but what if the Giants include infielder Tyler Fitzgerald in the trade talks? He could replace Semien at second on the Rangers and potentially be their second baseman of the future. 

Of course, trading Fitzgerald could be a big risk. He showed a lot of promise in 2024 in his breakout year and could factor into the team's future plans. But he did cool off at the plate to end the year so maybe the Giants should try to sell high if they feel the league is already starting to figure him out.

In return the Giants would be getting a really good second baseman who would be returning to the Bay Area. It would be a bold trade to be sure, but the Giants need to shake things up in 2025 and a move like this could be just what is needed.