ESPN speculates that SF Giants could bolster rotation by reuniting with veteran pitcher

The SF Giants have a need in the rotation and a few other areas of the roster. On Wednesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN put together a list of potential trade targets for each time, with the Giants reuniting with Zack Littell at the MLB trade deadline.

ESPN speculates that SF Giants could bolster rotation by reuniting with veteran pitcher

The last time Giants fans saw Littell, he was throwing out of the bulppen in 2022. More specifically, his final appearance with the club was rather noteworthy.

The veteran pitcher came into a game against the Atlanta Braves with a 3-0 lead. He allowed two runs to score while recording just two outs. Manager Gabe Kapler came out to remove him from the game, and there was a verbal tiff on the mound between Littell and Kapler.

Littell was optioned the next day and outrighted off the 40-man roster at the start of the offseason. He put up a respectable 3.82 ERA in two seasons with San Francisco, but struggled to a 5.08 ERA in his second year. In that position, it is tough for a pitcher to visibly disagree with a manager's decision to pull him from the game. At the end of the day, players are competitive and want the ball, even if they are struggling.

Littell became a free agent after the 2022 season, and this turned out to be a good opportunity. The Texas Rangers signed him on a minor league deal, then traded him to the Boston Red Sox. The right-handed pitcher was designated for assignment after just two appearances with Boston. He was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays, where they turned him into a starter.

In a way, this has become a new market efficiency for teams. Of course, it was one of the more astute organizations in baseball that recognized Littell's potential out of the rotation.

Teams have tried to replicate this strategy, including the Giants. They added Jordan Hicks on a four-year, $44 million deal to work out of the rotation. That did not pay off, but he was included in the deal to acquire Rafael Devers.

With Tampa Bay, Littell has put up a 3.67 ERA in 75 outings, including 63 starts. He has a 3.53 ERA in 20 starts this year. The strikeout rate is low (6.1 K/9), and so are the walks (1.3 BB/9). Littell can also absorb some innings in the rotation.

The front of the Giants' rotation is set, with Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Landen Roupp. However, they could use another reliable arm. Littell would check that box, and he is on an expiring contract, so the cost would be relatively low.