The San Francisco Giants are joining the New York Mets in what’s shaping up to be one of the most aggressive seller’s markets we’ve seen in years.
General manager Tony Vitello doesn’t have much choice at this point. The high-priced roster isn’t working, and with 26 teams still within striking distance of a playoff spot, he’s got plenty of potential buyers circling.
The Giants’ situation is complicated by those big contracts on the books, but that’s exactly what makes this interesting. Teams are already scouting San Francisco’s roster, and some MLB insiders think deals will get done before the August 3rd deadline.
Luis Arraez is the most obvious trade candidate. The three-time batting champion is on an expiring contract and becomes an unrestricted free agent this winter. That’s exactly the kind of rental piece contenders love to add.
What makes this different is Arraez seems genuinely interested in staying put.
“Yes, why not? I would love to come back here. We’re still in the season and I don’t think about (free agency) right now. But in the future, let’s see what happens. I’m open to listen to whatever they want to say to me.”
That was Arraez talking to the San Francisco Standard, which creates an interesting dynamic for Vitello.
Then there’s Robbie Ray, the former Cy Young winner who could help balance a contender’s rotation. The two-time All-Star sits four wins shy of 100 for his career, and playoff teams always need proven left-handed starting.
The Big Money Decisions
The real challenge comes with the long-term contracts. Rafael Devers is owed significant money starting next season, but the 29-year-old first baseman has connected on at least 20 home runs each season since 2018. That puts him in company with Atlanta’s Matt Olson, Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, and the Mets’ Juan Soto.
Third baseman Matt Chapman, 33, carries a $25.2 million commitment over four seasons. Shortstop Willy Adames, 30, has $31.1 million owed over five seasons.
That’s a lot to move, even for deep-pocketed franchises looking to fill lineup holes for the stretch run.
The way I see it, Vitello’s got two paths here. He can focus on moving the expiring contracts like Arraez and Ray, or he can get creative with those bigger deals. All things considered, teams are more desperate than usual with so many clubs still in contention.
Maybe Arraez ends up being the one piece that stays through the rebuild. His comments suggest he’s at least open to the conversation, and that kind of veteran leadership isn’t the worst thing to have around young players.
But for now, the Giants seem committed to tearing it down. With the Mets doing the same thing, it’s going to be a busy few weeks leading up to the deadline.
