If the San Francisco Giants are sellers, they are an apparent possible trade partner for the Atlanta Braves.
The 49-55 San Francisco Giants appear to be sellers as the MLB Trade Deadline approaches. For a team like the Atlanta Braves looking for ways to bolster its roster, this may mean a potential trade partner.
An outfield bat and a starting pitcher are two crucial additions to the club, and the Giants have a few choices to consider.
Add a Cy Young Award Winner
Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is allegedly receiving attention as the deadline approaches.
Snell struggled in each of his first six outings before being sidelined with a left groin injury; he had a 9.51 ERA when he was placed on the injured list. However, it is probable that his high ERA was solely attributable to the injury.
Snell’s ERA in three starts since returning is 1.00 (two earned runs in 18 innings).
If Snell’s recent performance is representative of what he can bring to the table, the Braves should not hesitate to accept his two-year, $62 million contract. The second year is a player option, so he could end up being a rental.
The Braves’ early-season record, combined with their contract position, might allow them to give up less in a trade than if they made the move last season, when he won the NL Cy Young.
Alex Cobb, who will be a free agent soon, is another starter option. The 36-year-old righty is in the final year of his contract and has not pitched this season due to injuries. However, according to The Athletic, he is scheduled to make his debut on Sunday. If he returns and plays well right away, he could be a less expensive rental option for the Braves.
Cobb is making $10 million this year, and the Braves would only owe a portion of it. Flipping a quality minor leaguer to the Giants could be enough to land Cobb.
Cobb’s 3.74 ERA in 74 starts over the past three seasons is respectable.
Familiar Outfield Options
Michael Conforto, a Giants outfielder, is a likely trade candidate. The Braves saw a lot of him while he was with the New York Mets from 2015 to 2021. The old foe could become an important addition.
Conforto is batting.226 in 80 games this season, with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. His average and on-base percentage are also lower, but his power figures compensate (.415 slugging this season versus.386 in 2022). His 105 OPS+ remains higher than any other Braves outfielder this season.
Although hardly a major trade, Conforto could be the proper fit for the Braves’ outfield.
The Giants now have another outfield alternative that fans will be enthused about, and it has previously proven to be the proper move. That possibility is Jorge Soler, the 2021 World Series MVP.
But his contract will be an impediment.
He is in the first year of a three-year contract worth $42 million. The Braves are unlikely to benefit from a Soler trade unless the Giants keep a significant portion of his salary. It may be argued that this is more essential than how much the Braves give up in the transaction, because Soler would not require top-tier talent to land.
If the Giants are ready to keep money, the Braves might reunite with an important player. If Soler benefits from the change of location, the Braves’ debt may be a bargain.