SF Giants Rumors: Chapman's preferred trade spot, no market for Arraez on paper

Rumor season is starting to pick up ahead of the MLB trade deadline and the SF Giants figure to be mentioned a lot in rumors over the next month and a half. They're almost certainly going to be sellers, the question is just how much they are going to sell.

There are some recent rumors and speculation regarding a few of the team's key trade pieces so let's dive right into the latest scuttlebutt on the trade front.

Giants may end up having a hard time dealing two trade pieces

Chapman's preferred trade destination

While recent reporting from Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggests the Giants are hopeful they can move third baseman Matt Chapman, it may not be that simple. Chapman has a preference to remain on the west coast if possible which may limit him to teams that are in the Cactus League for spring training.

Our own Jeff Young recently took a look at whether any of those teams may be a fit and he concluded that the Seattle Mariners may be the most realistic possibility.

That's unfortunate because if Chapman is not willing to waive his no-trade clause unless it is to a west coast team, that takes away some of the team's that make the most sense on paper as trade partners like the New York Yankees o Philadelphia Phillies.

Maybe Chapman will eventually become more open to a trade to the east coast but for now it seems like the Giants may have a tough time finding the right partner.

Does Arraez have a trade market?

Second baseman Luis Arraez is one of the team's more obvious trade chips because he is a pending free agent, but there may not be a natural fit for a lot of teams looking to buy at the deadline. Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently looked at every MLB team's needs ahead of the deadline and not many teams are looking for a second baseman.

Of course, Arraez can play first base as well and could also serve as a designated hitter, but he is a contact hitter and most teams probably want a bit more thump from the first base or DH spots in the lineup.

Some team will probably still want Arraez especially if there's an injury to a second baseman or a team is simply looking to upgrade, but his market may not be especially robust if most teams feel pretty set on the right side of the infield.

A lot can change over the next month and a half, but it will not be a slam dunk to trade either Chapman or Arraez.

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