Farhan Zaidi

How the Giants can improve bullpen, offense and pitching depth at the deadline

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Before the season, most people would have assumed that the Giants would be sellers rather than buyers at the 2021 MLB trade deadline. But that’s not how things have played out. The Giants have led the NL West for most of the season, surprising the Dodgers and Padres, the two teams most believed were the best in the National League heading into the season. That has led to plenty of SF Giants trade rumors ahead of the trade deadline with the Giants looking to add rather than subtract.

SF Giants trade rumors

Of course, the Dodgers and Padres have both been almost as good as advertised. Both teams are still trying to chase down the Giants at the top of the NL West.

The Giants know that they need to improve their roster if they’re going to win the division. They also know that losing the division will mean a one-game Wild Card against one of the NL West rivals. Thus, there is a list of Giants trade targets that San Francisco would like to add to help them secure the division crown.

Giants trade targets

On the surface, the Giants’ trade targets will be all over the field. The aging San Francisco lineup has seen its fair share of injuries this season, so adding depth could be a priority.

       

The Giants also have a left-handed heavy lineup, which means adding right-handed bats could also be the team’s focal point. Naturally, there are also plenty of SF Giants trade rumors involving pitchers.

While the San Francisco pitching staff has been the catalyst for the team’s success this season, the Giants know you can never have too much pitching. With that in mind, here are some of the ideal fits for the Giants to pursue at the deadline.

Starling Marte

At first glance, Starling Marte would be a perfect fit for San Francisco, which is why there are Marte trade rumors connecting Miami’s center fielder to the Giants.

As mentioned, the Giants need more right-handed bats in their lineup, which is a need that Marte would fill.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s having one of his best seasons in recent memory, batting .294 with an OPS of .842. Marte would also be an upgrade defensively in center field and allow Steven Duggar to play a little more in left field, strengthening the San Francisco outfield both offensively and defensively.

       

Tyler Anderson

On the starting pitching front, the Giants don’t need to make a big splash. However, adding another veteran to shore things up isn’t a bad idea. Tyler Anderson has had a fine season in Pittsburgh, posting a 4.35 ERA over 18 starts.

He’s an affordable option and would give the Giants a much-needed lefty in their rotation.

Kris Bryant

It might be surprising to see Kris Bryant listed as one of the Giants’ trade targets, but he’s actually a perfect fit.

For starters, he’s a right-handed bat with power. He would also be a fill-in at third base with Evan Longoria on the IL. Even when Longoria returns, Bryant has the flexibility to play first base or the corner outfield spots, so his versatility will allow the Giants to put him in the lineup at multiple positions, helping to guard against injuries.

Taylor Rogers

The Giants have gotten some good mileage out of Tyler Rogers this year, so why not add his twin brother for the stretch run?

Taylor Rogers has been a steady part of the Minnesota bullpen for many years and would add another quality reliever to the San Francisco bullpen.

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