5 Hypothetical Trades the San Francisco Giants Could Make at the Deadline

5 Hypothetical Trades the San Francisco Giants Could Make at the Deadline

Jeff Samardzija Chicago White Sox
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The up-and-down San Francisco Giants enter the All-Star Break within striking distance of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers, but must shore up their bench and pitching staff before the trade deadline in order to become bona fide contenders. The Giants have yet to be directly linked to a big-name difference-maker. But as the deadline nears, the rumor mill will inevitably intensify, and could be headlined by a big move in the City by the Bay.

5. Gerardo Parra, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Gerardo Parra Milwaukee Brewers
Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

5. Gerardo Parra, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Gerardo Parra Milwaukee Brewers
Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

The Giants have reportedly engaged the Brewers in talks regarding outfielder Gerardo Parra, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. Outfield depth has been a concern for the Giants in the wake of injuries to Hunter Pence and Nori Aoki, although Pence’s recent return from the DL could mitigate San Francisco’s need for an additional bat. Hypothetical trade: Johneshwy Fargas (Low-A; OF), Tyler Mizenko (Double-A; RHP)

4. Jonathan Papelbon, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

Jonathan Papelbon Philadelphia Phillies
Hunter Martin/Getty Images

4. Jonathan Papelbon, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

Jonathan Papelbon Philadelphia Phillies
Hunter Martin/Getty Images

The Giants’ bullpen has faltered to some degree in 2015, and closer Santiago Casilla is at the root of San Francisco’s late-inning inconsistencies. The right-hander has been mostly solid, but has blown four saves in 27 saves while sporting a 3.34 ERA, his worst mark since 2009. The Giants are renowned for prioritizing bullpen depth at the deadline. This season should be no different. Hypothetical trade: Martin Agosta (High-A; RHP), PTBNL

3. Ben Zobrist, UT, Oakland Athletics

Ben Zobrist Oakland Athletics
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ben Zobrist, UT, Oakland Athletics

Ben Zobrist Oakland Athletics
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Giants have interest in Athletics utility-man Ben Zobrist. The Giants were initially rumored to be in trade talks with the Rays regarding Zobrist last offseason, but ultimately failed to land the versatile infielder/outfielder. Acquiring Zobrist would allow manager Bruce Bochy supreme flexibility, and improve the Giants offense. Hypothetical trade: Chris Stratton (Triple-A; RHP), PTBNL

2. Scott Kazmir, LHP, Oakland Athletics

Scott Kazmir Oakland Athletics
Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

2. Scott Kazmir, LHP, Oakland Athletics

Scott Kazmir Oakland Athletics
Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

If GM Billy Beane opts to hit the restart button on a partial rebuild, left-handed starter Scott Kazmir would become a prime trade candidate. The Giants currently own a glut of starting pitchers, but could ultimately benefit from adding another frontline starter. Kazmir would certainly satisfy the Giants’ need for a true No. 2 behind Madison Bumgarner. Hypothetical trade: Adam Duvall (Triple-A; 1B/3B), Nick Vander Tuig (High-A; RHP)

1. Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Chicago White Sox

Jeff Samardzija Chicago White Sox
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Chicago White Sox

Jeff Samardzija Chicago White Sox
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox remain in practical contention for a wild card berth in the AL, but could realistically become sellers. If GM Rich Hahn opts for that, Jeff Samardzija would become a prime trade candidate. "The Shark" would provide the Giants with the co-ace they need to make a strong push at yet another World Series title. Hypothetical trade: Adalberto Mejia (Double-A; LHP), Joan Gregorio (Double-A; RHP), Christian Paulino (Low-A; OF)

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