SF Giants beat writer floats trade for Chicago Cubs slugger

As the offseason stagnates a bit for the SF Giants and many free agents are already off the board, the trade avenue is beginning to look more realistic for the Giants. A beat reporter recently floated an interesting trade for a Chicago Cubs slugger.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote an interesting article about potential trade targets for the Giants. She highlights a lot of different players San Francisco could target, but one intriguing option is Seiya Suzuki of the Cubs.

Slusser notes that the Cubs trading for Kyle Tucker signals that the Cubs may be trying to contend, but she also wrote this about the team from the North Side: "They’re looking for a closer, and outfielder Seiya Suzuki, a onetime Giants free-agent target, might be available after their acquisition of Tucker."

SF Giants could target Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki in a trade

Perhaps trading reliever Camilo Doval to the Cubs in exchange for Suzuki would be a move that is beneficial for both sides. Of course, the Giants would probably have to throw another player or two into the mix after Doval's brutal 2024 campaign, but it may be worth it to land an outfielder like Suzuki.

The 30-year-old from Japan had a solid 2024 campaign, slashing .283/.366/.482 with 21 home runs and 73 RBI in 132 games. He has seemed to improve every year he has been in the big leagues since 2022.

Slusser notes that the Giants were interested in and connected to Suzuki back when he was a free agent prior to the 2022 season, but they lost out on him to the Cubs. It just so happens that he would still fill a need on the team.

Right field is definitely a spot the Giants could upgrade. Mike Yastrzemski is a solid outfielder, but his ceiling is not very high. Suzuki has a much better offensive profile and would help bolster the lineup. The Giants could also use Suzuki as a designated hitter sometimes to keep Yastrzemski in right where his defense is valuable.

It feels like time is running out for the Giants to make truly meaningful moves to improve the team for 2025. Swinging a trade for Suzuki would be a good way to bolster the lineup without having to give up a major prospect like Bryce Eldridge in the process. It would also signal to fans that the front office is really serious about trying to put the best product on the field in 2025.