2 teams are already open for business if SF Giants decide to buy at the trade deadline
The SF Giants have a 17-22 overall record, so it is a bit too early to be talking about potential targets at the trade deadline. That said, two teams in the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins are open for business if the Giants decide to buy.
2 teams are already open for business if SF Giants decide to buy at the trade deadline
Usually, teams do not make moves this early in the season. Front offices want to give their rosters time to dig out of a hole if they got off to a slow start.
The Marlins are off to an abysmal start, posting a 10-29 record. On the other hand, the White Sox have tallied a 10-28 record. If a playoff team has either team in their division, they will be happy to see these teams 13 times per season. That is a quick way to bolster win totals.
The White Sox and Marlins are not waiting around and have already begun to sell off assets.
Last week, the San Diego Padres acquired two-time batting champ Luis Arráez in a five-player deal. The Marlins received a trio of prospects and took on the remainder of Woo-Suk Go's two-year, $4.5 million pact.
Go is the brother-in-law of Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, but struggled through six appearances in the Cactus League, yielding seven earned runs. Teams do not often make hard evaluations on players in spring training. However, the Padres moved on from Go quickly.
On the other hand, the White Sox shipped veteran outfielder Robbie Grossman to the Texas Rangers in exchange for minor leaguer Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa. A small move relative to the Arráez deal, but a sign that Chicago will not be waiting around.
The Giants could connect with either team for a trade. Of course, there has to be a need and a fit. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is one of the likelier names to be moved by the Marlins. He has seen more time in center field in recent seasons, but he has not excelled with the glove as an outfielder. A move back to the infield seems to be in the cards eventually.
The Giants are already covered at Chisholm Jr.'s primary position, second base, with Thairo Estrada. The lefty bat would not represent an upgrade, but could give the Giants a left-handed-hitting infielder that they need.
On the pitching side, Jesús Luzardo would look good in a Giants uniform even if he is on the injured list. However, closer Tanner Scott is more likely to be moved given that he is in a contract year.
Chicago's roster has little to offer. Could the Giants take a chance on Paul DeJong again? He is off to a nice start. Erick Fedde has a 3.00 ERA in eight starts, but this comes with a 4.30 FIP. The Giants could use a southpaw reliever that they trust and White Sox hurler Tim Hill has prior experience with manager Bob Melvin.
It is early in the year, but the seller's market is already taking shape. If the Giants string together a couple of strong months, they could connect with either team for a deal.