Why the attention should now turn to SF Giants All-Star closer at MLB trade deadline

Oakland A's closer Mason Miller landed on the injured list with a broken finger. He was one of the most-coveted relievers at the trade deadline, but the attention should now shift to SF Giants All-Star closer Camilo Doval.

Why the attention should now turn to SF Giants All-Star closer at MLB trade deadline

The A's were not in a position where they needed to even consider moving Miller. However, the 2024 All-Star was in the midst of a strong season on the mound, posting a 2.21 ERA in 34 appearances while converting 15 saves in 17 opportunities.

The hard-throwing pitcher is under team control through the 2029 season and a player with that much team control and recent track record would command a huge sum in trade talks. Understandably, the A's had set a high asking price for Miller.

Now that he may no longer be an option for some teams, it does make sense for the attention to turn to Doval. Relievers are one of those assets that nearly every team targets at the trade deadline. It is not always the big moves that pay off, but it can be the quieter additions as well.

Doval would align more with a big move. Similar to Miller, he has multiple years of team control remaining. The Giants All-Star pitcher is under contract through 2027 and will be eligible for arbitration this winter.

Given what he has accomplished so far in his young career, the price for keeping Doval will begin to increase. That said, players on their rookie contracts are generally a bargain, so the cost is normally moot.

Doval is in the midst of a down year as he has tallied a 4.26 ERA in 40 appearances with San Francisco. While he continues to strike out a healthy number of hitters (12.1 K/9), there has been a huge decline in his control (5.9 BB/9). The walks are one thing, but he has missed too often in the middle of the zone as well.

While his recent track record may not be in his favor, it bears mentioning that Doval has a 3.05 ERA in parts of four seasons with San Francisco. Plus, teams will not typically put too much weight into a bad stretch when the overall résumé is much better. His value may not be at its highest, but it is still relatively high considering his track record and remaining team control.

Plus, he still flashes a high 90's fastball with a slider that continues to be tough on opposing hitters. There are not many other established closers like Doval who could be available at the trade deadline, so he sits near the top of that list.

Why would the Giants consider this? Bullpen arms can be pretty volatile and replaceable. Doval is still on the younger side (27) and while he may be a popular player, the Giants have to consider whether they can get a better long-term piece in return. Relievers provide value, but starters and position players generally hold much more value.

Now is the time to trade him to a bullpen-need team. Even after swinging a trade for Seranthony Domínguez, the Baltimore Orioles could still be in the market for another high-leverage reliever. Of course, that will be the case for just about any contending team.

Moving Doval may not be a popular move, but it is quick way to add some talent back into the farm system.