Ranking the top pitching trade targets if the SF Giants miss out on Shohei Ohtani

The SF Giants are holding out hope that they can finally add a top-of-the-class free agent to their Bay area club. As they anxiously await the decision of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, San Fransisco fans around the globe have dreams of receiving the ultimate baseball Christmas gift.

Ranking the top pitching trade targets if the SF Giants miss out on Shohei Ohtani

While the free agent's final decision remains muddied, and several teams remain in the mix for the multi-time MVP's services, it is important to remember that the Giants quest for a superstar infusion is not Otani or bust.

The 2023 offseason is unusually flush with available stars. Juan Soto has already swapped jerseys. Yet, at least four star bats are still available on the trade market.

And, the opportunity to add a superstar does not stop there. After losing out on Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa in recent offseasons, what if President Farhan Zaidi and the SF Giants front office elected to add to their top-heavy pitching rotation instead?

If the Giants choose to value top-tier pitching over an All-Star bat, they would have their choice of multiple pathways toward adding a Cy Young-level ace. Who is available? Who makes the most sense for San Fransisco? And how would make the biggest star impact on the Bay Area?

Here are our top-four pitching rankings for superstars on the MLB trade market: