MLB insider speculates that SF Giants could trade surprise name if they sell

With a 41-44 record, the SF Giants are on the fringes of the playoff mix. If they do fall out and decide to sell, Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculates that they could trade a surprise name: Camilo Doval.

MLB insider speculates that SF Giants could trade surprise name if they sell

Heyman does add the stipulation that the Giants are "far from selling" despite getting off to a slow start. Even if the Giants do fall out of contention, selling might be tough for a few reasons.

However, one of the more obvious reasons just might be that they do not have much to sell. Michael Conforto and Alex Cobb are on expiring contracts, so they may be some of the more likely potential names to be moved.

That said, Conforto is owed $18 million in 2024, so that could be a hard contract to move without attaching a prospect. On the other hand, Cobb has missed the entire season so far after undergoing offseason hip surgery, but he could be nearing a return.

Doval might be one of the few exceptions in terms of tradable assets. Typically, relievers do not net a huge return at the trade deadline, especially if they are rentals. However, Doval is entering his first year of arbitration next winter.

The hard-throwing righty has been one of the better relievers since he debuted in 2021. Overall, he has a 3.05 ERA in parts of four seasons with the Giants. This includes a strong 2023 campaign in which he tallied a 2.93 ERA with 39 saves in 47 opportunities while earning his first All-Star nod.

The 2024 season has been a different story. Doval has struggled to a 4.41 ERA, 3.80 FIP, 1.59 WHIP, 11.6 K/9, and a 1.91 SO/W ratio in 34 outings. The good news is that he has only blown three saves in 17 opportunities and continues to strike batters out at an above-average rate. Plus. his fastball velocity sits comfortably in the high 90's while often reaching triple digits.

On the downside, his control has eroded compared to prior seasons. That is not a reason to trade a good reliever like Doval.

However, a good reliever with multiple years of team control remaining would hold a lot of value on the trade market. Despite his rough 2024 season, it is likely that many teams still view Doval as an elite reliever.

Teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, and Philadelphia Phillies could be in the market for a high-leverage reliever at the trade deadline. It would be hard for any of those teams to find a better option Doval. You can add Tyler Rogers as someone who would have some interest on the trade market as well. He would not net nearly as big of a return as Doval.

Moving Doval would be an unpopular move. He is well liked by the fanbase and is one of the few Giants players where you stop what you are doing when he is on the mound.

However, the career arc of a reliever can be volatile. It is often best to trade him when his value is at its highest. Doval's value may never be higher than it is right now.

If the Giants could net a team's top prospect, which would be a reasonable return, then it is something that the front office has to consider. Plus, they seemingly have an internal replacement at closer in Ryan Walker. More than likely, the Giants see Doval as part of the future and are not included to trade him away.