Three buy-low starting pitching targets that the SF Giants could target at the trade deadline

Three buy-low starting pitching targets that the SF Giants could target at the trade deadline

2. Chicago Cubs starter Drew Smyly

The addition of Drew Smyly would be similar to Michael Pineda in terms of injury risk. That said, Smyly's overall profile might be an even better fit.

The left-handed hurler signed a one-year, $5.25 million pact with the Chicago Cubs last offseason. This is a move that was made with the understanding that Smyly would likely be flipped at the trade deadline.

He has performed well in 2022 despite missing a few starts with an oblique injury. Across nine starts, Smyly has tallied a 3.80 ERA, 4.73 FIP, 1.26 WHIP, 7.2 K/9, and a 3.40 SO/W ratio. This includes a solid 47.8 percent ground ball rate.

Of course, the Giants are already familiar with Smyly as he posted a 3.42 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 26.1 frames with San Francisco during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The veteran starter attacks the strike zone and induces a health number of ground balls, so he offers a lot of what the Giants like in a pitcher.

In terms of cost, it likely would not be any different than Michael Pineda. The mid-rotation rental arm does not normally fetch a huge return at the trade deadline.

The Giants have to ask whether Smyly would be an upgrade over Alex Wood or Alex Cobb. If the answer is yes, then he should be a pitcher that they target.