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Bothered by the Braves and Searching for Starting Pitching: What the Giants Should Do at the Trade Deadline
The Giants Have Plenty of Needs
The Giants enter the trade deadline sellers for the third straight year. The Giants are at the bottom of the NL West and nine games behind the Diamondbacks for the final Wild Card spot. President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi said that the team would like to add starting pitching, but he was noncommittal about adding other pieces.
Where the Giants Stand
The Giants entered the season with a rotation anchored by Logan Webb, Alex Cobb, and Carlos Rodon. Injuries and poor performance, however, have decimated the rotation. Webb has been the only consistently good starter. Cobb has missed most of the season with various injuries, and Rodon has pitched well at times but has been inconsistent. The team currently has Jakob Junis, Alex Wood, and Sean Manaea in the rotation.
The Giants have several young starting pitchers who could be ready to contribute next year. Kyle Harrison is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball and could be ready to start in 2024. Tristan Beck, Seth Corry, and Joey Bart are other young pitchers who could contribute next year.
The Giants have a lot of holes to fill on their roster. The offense has been one of the worst in baseball, and the bullpen has been inconsistent. It is unlikely that the Giants will be able to fill all of their holes at the trade deadline. However, they should be able to add some pieces that can help them compete in 2024.
What the Giants Should Do
Starting Pitching
The Giants should focus on adding starting pitching at the trade deadline. They have several young pitchers who could be ready to contribute next year, but they need some veteran starters to help them compete in 2023.
There are several starting pitchers who could be available at the trade deadline. The Giants should target pitchers who are under control for multiple years and who have a track record of success. Some potential targets include:
- Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
- Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals
- Brad Keller, Kansas City Royals
- Lance Lynn, Chicago White Sox
- Mike Clevinger, Chicago White Sox
Other Needs
The Giants should also consider adding a bat at the trade deadline. The offense has been one of the worst in baseball, and they need some help to score runs.
There are several hitters who could be available at the trade deadline. The Giants should target hitters who can get on base and hit for power. Some potential targets include:
- Ian Happ, Chicago Cubs
- Joey Gallo, New York Yankees
- Andrew Benintendi, Chicago White Sox
- Trey Mancini, Baltimore Orioles
- Brandon Drury, Cincinnati Reds
The trade deadline is always a busy time, and the Giants should be active. They have a lot of holes to fill on their roster, but they have the prospects to make some deals.
If the Giants can add some starting pitching and a bat at the trade deadline, they could be in a position to compete for a Wild Card spot in 2023.