5 trade options for the SF Giants to add a star if they miss out on Shohei Ohtani

The SF Giants are big game hunting. The club's desire to add an infusion of star power has been apparent in their attempted pursuit of transcendent talents like Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa in recent offseasons. While these attempts have fallen tragically short, the desire to add a superstar in San Fransisco is as strong as ever.

5 trade options for the SF Giants to add a star if they miss out on Shohei Ohtani

The team is believed to be one of the frontrunners for the services of two-way superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani. If this materializes, it would not only immediately elevate the club's star void bringing one of the greatest talents in baseball history to the Bay Area. Once Ohtani recovers from his elbow injury, it would also fill the franchise's need for a starting pitcher.

While there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the Giants should feel optimistic about their chances of winning the Ohtani sweepstakes, the club, and their fans, must also be prepared for the worst. Losing out on the top free-agent prize would sting. Just as losing Correa did last year. And Judge the year before.

However, it is important to remember that hope is not lost! This offseason, more so than usual, has many superstar position players being circulated through the trade rumor mill. Thankfully, many of these options would be ideal fits in San Fransisco if the Giants need to pivot to a plan B.

Let's take a look at the backup options, ranked 5 to 1 (based on a combination of talent level, availability, the age of the player, and projected cost)!

5 trade options for the SF Giants to add a star if they miss out on Shohei Ohtani

5) Alex Bregman, HOU

According to multiple sources, Alex Bregman's name was floated into trade discussions earlier this offseason. While the Astors' GM has since rebuffed these claims, one cannot help but wonder if the multi-time All-Star and World Series Champion might be available as his impending free agency looms.

If Houston is indeed listening to offers, either now or later in the offseason, Bregman would be worthy of the Giants' consideration. The club has already been connected with free-agency third baseman Matt Chapman. While the latter holds a clear advantage in terms of defense, Bregman is a younger player with a much higher offensive upside.

The former Silver Slugger is one of the most consistent hitters in baseball. He holds a .274 career batting average (compared to Chapman's .240 mark), draws a healthy number of walks, and also produces good power and RBI totals (25 homers and 98 RBI in 2023).

While Bregman's ceiling falls well short of players like Ohtani's or Judge's, the combination of his steady bat, his postseason excellence, and his star name power would make him an ideal first option as Ohtani insurance.

5 trade options for the SF Giants to add a star if they miss out on Shohei Ohtani

4) Luis Robert, CWS

Luis Robert has the least household name of any player on this list. However, the former top prospect quietly took real steps toward super stardom last season. At just 26 years old, he could easily become the best hitter on a postseason-caliber team.

Robert wowed across the board in 2023. He hit for a solid .264 batting average while launching a career-high 38 homers and swiping a career-high 20 bases. The Chicago star also is an excellent defensive centerfielder with one Gold Glove award and impressive overall metrics.

While his power number may suffer some regression, his sprint speed indicates that he has room to grow as a base stealer, particularly with the new rules in place. Robert has a clear path to becoming a 30-homer/20-steal over the next half-decade. And, if he continues to develop, he has a 40-homer/30 steals ceiling.

The young centerfielder's name has already been thrown out in trade rumors as the White Sox try to overhaul their roster. The Giants have also specifically been mentioned as a prime landing spot.

While his asking price would undoubtedly be high, Robert would be an electric, Randy Arozarena-type talent where he lands long-term. He would be an excellent addition to the SF Giants strikeout on Shohei.

5 trade options for the SF Giants to add a star if they miss out on Shohei Ohtani

2) Pete Alonso

Pete Alonso joins Randy Arozarena on the list of surprise offseason trade candidates. Despite leading all of baseball in home runs since his debut in 2019 (by a wide margin), the New York Mets star now finds himself in credible trade rumors.

The Mets' unexpected rebuild could be a perfect team for a large-market club like the Giants to strike. They have the money to acquiesce Alonso's goals for a big payday. They have the capital to offer New York an enticing package. And they have a real void at first base.

Adding Alonso would provide San Fransisco with the power production they were hoping for as they pursued the aforementioned Aaron Judge. His incredible strength (46 homers in 2023, 40 in 2022, 37 in 2021, and an MLB-leading 53 blasts in 2019) would give the Giants the top-tier talent they have so desperately been seeking.

Alonso, who is still only 28 years old could easily be a middle-of-the-order anchor for the Giants for many years to come. He would be the #1 player on our list if it weren't for...

5 trade options for the SF Giants to add a star if they miss out on Shohei Ohtani

1) Juan Soto

It isn't every day that a generational talent like Juan Soto is available on the trade market. Yet, a combination of poor play by the San Diego Padres and an unfortunate financial situation has led to a league-wide expectation that one of baseball's most transcendent stars will change teams this offseason.

Soto checks all of the boxes for a club like the SF Giants. He is young (still just 25 years old). He is one of the better power hitters in the league (35 homers in 2023, 27 in 2022, 29 in 2021, 34 in 2019, and 22 in his 2018 rookie year). He has a trophy case full of hardware including three All-Star appearances, four Silver Slugger awards, a Batting Title (2020), and a World Series ring (2019).

Even more impressive is the fact that Soto has displayed the best plate discipline of any player in baseball since his MLB debut. He has recorded over 100 walks in four of his six seasons (one of which was shortened due to the COVID pandemic). He also led all of baseball in walks in 2023 (132), 2022 (135), and 2021 (145). This has resulted in a ridiculous .421 career OBP to go along with a sparkling .284 batting average.

For context, it would take Soto his current walk rate (106 average per season), only 14 seasons to crack the top 25 walk producers in baseball history, surpassing legends like Hank Aaron, Wade Boggs, and Jackie Robinson. It would take even less time if one factored the COVID-shortened season into this equation.

Simply put, Soto would be an easy #1 target in any world where the best hitting/pitching combo talent in world history was not a free agent available to the highest bidder. The SF has already shown reported interest in the Padres' superstar. In any world where Ohtani signs elsewhere, the Giants should be thrilled to pivot their full attention to acquiring the transcendent.