ESPN insider begs SF Giants to solve rotation woes with division rival trade

The SF Giants look like they could use some starting rotation help right now. ESPN insider Jeff Passan recently recommended that the Giants should try to trade for Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks to bolster their rotation.

In Passan's latest column, he identifies the best fit for each contending team. Kelly was his best fit for San Francisco as he wrote, "Kelly represents a significant upgrade over the Giants' backend rotation options, as Justin Verlander and Hayden Birdsong are sporting ERAs of 6.27 and 5.73, respectively, since June 1."

Jeff Passan thinks SF Giants should trade for Merrill Kelly

Passan is absolutely right to identify Verlander and Birdsong as the two weak links in the rotation. Verlander has had some bad luck, but he just has not been good enough for the team this year which could create an uncomfortable reality for the team. Birdsong showed promise in the bullpen earlier this year, but he has not found the same success as a starter.

Kelly would be an upgrade over either arm. Trade rumors have been swirling around Kelly for some time now. Arizona is in a weird position right now where they are around .500 and have to decide if they want to sell, buy, or stand pat at the trade deadline.

The 36-year-old has been a solid starter for the Diamondbacks since 2019. In 19 starts this season, Kelly has a 3.41 ERA in 111 innings pitched with 107 strikeouts compared to 29 walks.

Having Kelly would go a long way towards stabilizing the rotation. Webb and Ray can be counted on, and while Landen Roupp has been hot as of late, this is his first full season as a starter so there is the potential that he could run out of gas down the stretch.

The Giants sacrificed some starting pitching depth in the blockbuster Rafael Devers trade by sending Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks to Boston. They still have some depth, but no obvious solutions if the struggles continue for Birdsong and Verlander.

Another potential trade option could be Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals. Lugo has ties to manager Bob Melvin and would also be a solid veteran addition to the rotation.

With Kelly, a big question is whether the Diamondbacks would feel comfortable sending him to a division rival. The Giants would probably have to offer more in trade talks which may not be something they are comfortable doing.

Nonetheless, it is interesting to imagine Kelly on the Giants and it seems well within the realm of possibility that the Giants could go out and add a proven starter at the deadline.