MLB San Francisco Giants

5 Players San Francisco Giants Should Still Be Looking To Trade

5 Players the San Francisco Giants Should Still Be Looking to Trade

Hunter Strickland San Francisco Giants
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants haven't been as successful in attracting marquee free agents this offseason as they initially hoped. The Giants boast a less potent lineup in the wake of losing Michael Morse and Pablo Sandoval, and also flaunt a rotation flooded with question marks. It's unlikely for GM Brian Sabean to stand pat headed into Spring Training, though, which means a trade could be brewing by the Bay.

5. Hector Sanchez (C)

Hector Sanchez San Francisco Giants
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

5. Hector Sanchez (C)

Hector Sanchez San Francisco Giants
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants avoided arbitration with Sanchez at the start of free agency, signing the backup catcher to a one-year deal. However, Sanchez has been overtaken by Andrew Susac behind the dish, which makes him expendable. The once-promising 25-year-old has yet to flourish at the big league level in part because of concussion issues. Sanchez's trade value is marginal at best, but it's also unlikely that the Giants will carry three catchers in 2015.

4. Matt Duffy (IF)

Matt Duffy San Francisco Giants
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Matt Duffy (IF)

Matt Duffy San Francisco Giants
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If the Giants are unable to acquire an additional middle infielder before Spring Training, Duffy will compete with Ehire Adrianza for a bench spot. Duffy could also be leveraged in trade talks, perhaps as part of a deal involving Ben Zobrist. Duffy posted a -0.1 WAR in his rookie season, recording eight RBIs in 64 plate appearances, but has room for improvement at 23 years old. Adrianza registered three fewer RBIs in 42 more plate appearances.

3. Ty Blach (LHP)

Ty Blach San Francisco Giants
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ty Blach (LHP)

Ty Blach San Francisco Giants
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Ty Blach has serious major league potential and could potentially be leveraged in order to close a difference-making trade for the Giants. Blach, a 23-year-old left-hander, has shown flashes of dominance in two seasons in the minor league ranks. He posted an 8-8 record with a 3.13 ERA and 1.284 WHIP in 25 starts at the Double-A level last season. Blach needs to improve his control (2.33 SO/W) in order to ascend to the big leagues.

2. Clayton Blackburn (RHP)

Clayton Blackburn San Francisco Giants
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

2. Clayton Blackburn (RHP)

Clayton Blackburn San Francisco Giants
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Minor league pitching is the Giants' greatest trade asset. Assuming top prospect Kyle Crick remains untouchable, Clayton Blackburn becomes one of San Francisco's best trade chips. The 21-year-old right-hander is entering his fifth season in the Giants' system. He posted a 5-6 record with a 3.29 ERA and 1.226 WHIP while averaging 8.2 K/9 in 18 starts at the Double-A level in 2014.

1. Hunter Strickland (RHP)

Hunter Strickland San Francisco Giants
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

1. Hunter Strickland (RHP)

Hunter Strickland San Francisco Giants
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Hunter Strickland figures to be factor in the Giants' 2015 bullpen, but he could also prove to be a factor in a different realm. Strickland, a 26-year-old flamethrower, frequently touches 100 mph on the radar gun. His blazing, two-seam fastball has little movement on it, though, contributing to an MLB-record six postseason home runs allowed in 2014. The Giants like Strickland, but their bullpen depth could enable a trade.

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