The San Francisco Giants are actively pursuing upgrades to their roster as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Following a challenging end to June, the Giants have shown signs of improvement in July and currently hold one of the Wild Card spots in the National League. With one series remaining before the All-Star break, the team aims to build momentum and solidify their postseason ambitions.
While the recent acquisition of Rafael Devers has bolstered San Francisco’s lineup, the team faces significant challenges in their starting rotation. The performances of Logan Webb and Robbie Ray have been commendable, but the depth beyond these two pitchers raises concerns. The Giants are looking to reinforce their rotation, and as the trade deadline approaches, they have a variety of options.
Merrill Kelly Emerges as a Top Target
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks stands out as an ideal candidate for the Giants. With the Diamondbacks struggling and currently under the .500 mark, they may be inclined to sell assets in preparation for future seasons. Kelly, a 36-year-old right-hander, has demonstrated consistent performance throughout his career. This season, he has recorded a 7-5 win-loss record and a 3.41 earned run average (ERA) across 19 starts.
The Giants’ backend rotation has faced difficulties, with pitchers such as Justin Verlander and Hayden Birdsong posting ERAs of 6.27 and 5.73, respectively, since June 1. Acquiring Kelly would provide a significant upgrade and strengthen the starting lineup behind Webb and Ray, creating a formidable trio for potential postseason matchups.
The Importance of Strategic Moves
As the race for the postseason intensifies, the Giants recognize the need to enhance their pitching staff. The National League is highly competitive, with numerous teams vying for playoff spots. Each game carries substantial weight, and a well-rounded rotation could prove crucial in determining their success.
While Kelly may not be an ace, his experience and consistent performance could be valuable as the Giants aim to solidify their position in the playoff race. With the trade deadline approaching, the Giants have a critical opportunity to make strategic moves that could impact their season significantly.
As the trade discussions unfold, the focus will remain on how the Giants can leverage their current assets to improve their chances of success in the 2024 season. For ongoing updates and further developments regarding the Giants and MLB trades, fans can visit Giants On SI.
