Belt included in 15 biggest MLB offseason trade candidates

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Brandon Belt currently is one of the hottest hitters in MLB, and Donovan Solano has maintained that status since the start of the season. They'll both likely be fixtures in the Giants' lineup again next season -- that is, if they're still around.

Many prominent names around the league could be on the move this offseason, and MLB.com's Mark Feinsand mentioned both Giants infielders in his list of the 15 biggest trade candidates.

"Now that top prospect Joey Bart has graduated to the Majors, the Giants will have to find a way to find playing time for both him and Buster Posey, who is expected to return in 2021 after electing not to play this season," Feinsand wrote. "Assuming that the universal designated hitter doesn’t return to the NL next year, first base seems like the obvious spot.

"Belt will earn $16 million in 2021, the final season in his five-year, $72.8 million contract. He possesses a limited no-trade clause, which allows him to block deals to 10 teams, but even though the Giants are shedding more than $35 million in payroll with expiring contracts, the club could be motivated to move Belt to trim some more salary and thin down a crowded infield. Donovan Solano, a third-year arbitration-eligible infielder who will be entering his age-33 season, could also be a trade chip for the Giants in the offseason."

It's difficult to argue with Feinsand's logic. If the Giants want to have both of Posey and Bart's bats in the lineup as often as possible next season, it probably doesn't make sense to be spending that much on Belt, whose playing time likely would be significantly reduced. Of course, Belt is the only left-handed bat among the three, and his defense is valued by the organization. If the NL happens to keep the DH, you'd have to imagine the odds Belt gets moved go down significantly.

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Solano's value might never be higher than it is this offseason, so a trade might make sense for the Giants, depending on what they can get in return.

Regardless of what happens with Belt and Solano, don't be surprised if San Francisco is active in the trade market this offseason.

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