Zaidi: SF Giants to "take a look at the middle infield" ahead of trade deadline

The SF Giants have surprised the baseball world thus far in 2023, as they have somewhat overcome pre-season expectations by being in the hunt in the tough National League West division, and as we head into the trade deadline, the team are open to being buyers.

Zaidi: SF Giants to "take a look at the middle infield" ahead of trade deadline

Most fans are understandably looking towards the trade deadline as an opportunity for San Francisco to improve their pitching, but according to President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi, the team are exploring all options, especially on the middle infield.

Unfortunately, Thairo Estrada suffered an injury that will keep him out for several weeks, and while Brandon Crawford is still capable of being an everyday shortstop, the depth around him just isn't ready for that role, with both Casey Schmitt and Brett Wisely looking to fill that void.

On top of that, the team have veteran Wilmer Flores who is more than capable of covering time at second base, but Zaidi is going to 'keep an eye on the market' as the Giants look to continue their push in the National League.

There are several names out there that could possibly fill the void for the Giants, with the Chicago White Sox Tim Anderson potentially a prime candidate, but the whole Giants front office will have plenty to weigh up over the next few weeks as the team goes further into their playoff push.

Anderson, who is a two-time All-Star, has had a disastrous 2023 campaign. The right-handed bat has registered a .227/.263/.268 line (48 OPS+) with zero home runs, 13 RBI, and 29 runs in 285 plate appearances. This includes a rough 4.9 percent walk rate against a 21.1 percent strikeout rate.

The defensive metrics have not looked any better as he has been worth -8 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and -3 Outs Above Average (OAA) at shortstop. There are some pretty concerning walk rate, ground ball, and sprint speed trends with Anderson's profile this year. So, the fact that he has not hit a home run is rather eye-opening.

Still, he has a track record that is much better than several of the Giants' options at shortstop. And, with the Estrada injury, the depth has run thin. It is likely that the Giants could look for upgrades elsewhere, but certainly one name to watch as Chicago has had a rough season.