Ranking the 3 frontline starters the SF Giants should target on the trade market

Ranking the 3 frontline starters the SF Giants should target on the trade market

2. Milwaukee Brewers starter Corbin Burnes

Whether it is this winter or next offseason, the SF Giants will be connected to star pitcher Corbin Burnes. The 2021 Cy Young award winner is from California and attended Saint Mary's College before being selected in the fourth round of the 2016 draft.

Plus, Burnes is entering the final year of team control. Similar to the Tampa Bay Rays and Tyler Glasnow, the Brewers are inclined to trade players before they reach free agency. The options are either to try and get a prospect package for a player with team control remaining or wait until he walks in free agency, potentially only receiving a compensatory pick. Most small-market teams follow the first approach.

The Brewers appear to be open for business according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic with Burnes quickly becoming the top options available. If the Giants are going to add Burnes, it probably makes more sense for them to do so via a trade rather than free agency.

The 29-year-old pitcher is going to command a massive contract once he hits free agency after the 2024 season, which would likely be beyond the Giants' comfort zone.

The righty pitcher had another solid season in 2023, posting a 3.39 ERA, 3.81 FIP, 1.06 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, and a 3.03 SO/W ratio across 32 starts. Last season was the first time since 2019 that Burnes had an ERA above three, so he has been a model of consistency.