SF Giants should swing trade with Angels for Bay Area native to boost the bullpen

There are several things that are currently up in the air for the SF Giants as the offseason draws to a close. The current state of the bullpen is definitely a cause for concern which is why the Giants should explore a trade with the Los Angeles Angels.

San Francisco's bullpen collapse towards the end of last season made it seem like a complete remodel may be in order during the offseason. That has not exactly come to pass as the front office instead has made a lot of minor additions, opting for a low-cost approach.

This strategy may prove to be wise as we have seen many a high-priced reliever flame out over the years or not deliver. Mark Melancon sticks out the most when it comes to the Giants.

But they could still use a boost to the bullpen when it seems like they are going to run it back with a lot of the same guys in 2026, including Ryan Walker as closer.

SF Giants should swing a trade with Angels to upgrade bullpen

That is why the Angels could be an attractive trade partner. Robert Stephenson is an electric arm coming off several elbow injuries who could be a perfect fit in San Francisco.

He ticks several boxes for the Giants. He is from the Bay Area as he was born in Martinez which is in the East Bay. He is coming off injury which is a common theme for most of the relievers the Giants have signed this offseason. The one thing the Giants will not like is the fact that Stephenson is set to make $11 million this season.

Stephenson got a three-year, $33 million deal from the Angels prior to the 2024 season after a solid campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays in 2023 in which he had a 3.10 ERA in 60 appearances and struck out 77 batters in 52 innings.

He missed all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery and was able to come back in 2025 but he was limited as elbow issues popped up again. In 12 appearances with LA last season he had a 2.70 ERA.

The Angels are in need of a center fielder, so maybe Giants general manager Zack Minasian can work out a deal with his brother Perry, who is the top executive in LA's front office, in exchange for Stephenson to get a little more firepower in San Francisco's bullpen.