The 2021 MLB trade deadline is just nine days away, and with the Giants establishing themselves as a serious playoff contender, big moves might be on the horizon for the team with the best record in baseball.
After a surprising level of success in the first half, the Giants are positioned to buy at the deadline. Looking to continue to develop their farm system and compete for years to come, president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and general manager Scott Harris aren't likely to part with top prospects.
With the way the roster is constructed, many believe the Giants will target relief pitching, starting pitching or might even look to add an outfield bat.
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Former MLB general manager and current writer for The Athletic Jim Bowden joined KNBR's "Tolbert, Krueger & Brooks" Wednesday to discuss which direction Zaidi and the Giants might go at the deadline.
“Farhan Zaidi is usually the smartest baseball guy in every room I walk into and I think all you have to do is look at this Giants team to understand how smart he is,” Bowden said. “So he doesn’t always have to go get the biggest, sexiest name to find that under-the-radar guy to pick up.
"I’ve heard he’s out there looking for starting pitching, I’ve heard he’s out there talking about Starling Marte, Joey Gallo and Mitch Haniger, and some other guys offensively."
If the Giants are to make a big move at the deadline, Bowden believes it will be for a starting pitcher over an outfielder, and specifically a Chicago Cubs pitcher.
San Francisco Giants
“Zach Davies would be my prediction. I think he goes for a starting pitcher over another fourth outfielder. He’s got enough guys there. If you’re going to go for an outfielder, go big. Go Marte, Gallo or Haniger if you’re going to go outfielder, otherwise starting pitching.”
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Davies, who was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Chicago Cubs in the Yu Darvish deal this offseason, has taken a step back following his stellar year with Padres in the shortened 2020 season.
In 20 starts this season, Davis is 5-6 with a 4.35 ERA in 97.1 innings. He has struggled this season with command, posting the lowest strikeout percentage (14.5 percent compared to his career average of 17.0 percent), and the highest walk percentage (12.2 percent compared to his career average of 7.6 percent) of his career.
If Davies ends up on the Giants, he likely would slot in behind either Alex Wood or Johnny Cueto for the fourth or fifth spots in the rotation.
With just over a week remaining before the deadline, it'll be interesting to see which direction the Giants go in.