The case against the SF Giants trading former Cy Young winner

Veteran southpaw Robbie Ray is having a bounce-back season for the Giants, and it's leading to questions among fans about whether the SF Giants should trade him at the deadline this year. While it might be an enticing possibility to see what San Francisco can get for Ray, the truth is he's more valuable on the roster than in a trade.

The case against the SF Giants trading former Cy Young winner

Let's face it: the Giants need to reach the postseason. The team has been flailing since their magical 2021 season, but 2025 has been a different story so far. Even amidst a 3-7 stretch that's seen the team fall to a 33-28 record, San Francisco is just half a game out of the NL Wild Card picture, and continues to play competitive baseball.

If the Giants are going to return to the postseason in 2025, they are going to need all the help they can get. Their rotation has played a big role in their early-season hot stretch, and trading Ray would surely weaken the rotation.

Ray's season has been impressive, to say the least. He's 7-1 with a 2.43 ERA and 1.109 WHIP. He's struck out 78 batters in 70.1 innings and has accumulated 2.1 bWAR in 12 starts. If he keeps things up, he's on pace for a similar year to his Cy Young-winning season in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Giants have Ray under contract through 2026, which means if he were to be traded this year at the deadline, he would not be a pure rental. On the one hand, it means the Giants could command a nice prospect haul for Ray. On the other hand, teams might be scared away by the $25 million he's owed in 2026. Considering his history of injuries and inconsistency, teams might not want to trade for a soon-to-be 34-year-old owed that much money next year.

Ultimately, while Ray could be shipped out for prospects, the Giants should be trying to compete. Trading Ray would be a sign that the Giants are raising the white flag on the 2025 season, and at this point, it is too early for the team to give up.

Two good weeks of baseball and the Giants are back at the top of the NL Wild Card picture. Four good weeks and they are back in the race for the NL West. San Francisco needs to display urgency to win this season, and keeping Robbie Ray around can only help the team in 2025.