Plus, a little clarity.
The San Francisco Giants made a big trade on Monday, but it wasn’t a move anyone predicted. Instead of trading Blake Snell — who has had his name swirling in many a rumor — the Giants shipped designated hitter Jorge Soler and reliever Luke Jackson to the Atlanta Braves, where they both were members of the 2021 World Series team. In return, the Giants have received lefty reliever Tyler Matzek (who is on the 60-Day IL) and 2023 third-round pick Sabin Ceballos, a High-A infielder.
This looks like selling, because it sure as hell isn’t buying. But upon closer inspection, it might not be selling either. Certainly the salary relief is a big part of the trade — the Giants aren’t paying any of the money that Soler is owed in the final two years of his three-year, $42 million deal.
Similar to the Austin Slater deal, it seems like this move was made in part because the Giants feel their in-house option is ready for an opportunity.
Marco Luciano in July: .413 OBP, 6 homers, 18 walks to 18 strikeouts. The SS defense was an issue and he’s still learning 2B, but Giants feel he’s ready for everyday at-bats, which now will likely come at DH.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) July 30, 2024
Further proving that the team is not in sell mode, The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly reports that the Giants are looking to add a center fielder, and are unlikely to trade Snell.
My understanding of the Giants/Soler trade: They’re not in full sell mode. They plan to call up Marco Luciano and use him at DH, along with Conforto/Flores when healthy. They’re looking for a defensive upgrade in CF and slide Ramos to a corner.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) July 30, 2024
They’re listening on Snell and prepared to deal, but not expecting something to materialize. They’d have to be overwhelmed. A prospect package like what the Astros gave up for Kikuchi wouldn’t get it done.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) July 30, 2024
It still seems quite possible that the Giants will trade someone like Michael Conforto, Wilmer Flores, or Thairo Estrada to open up further opportunities for young players (especially if they add a center fielder). But it seems likely that the team will move forward with their all-world rotation, and they’ll have a chance every day as a result.
And also Marco Luciano. Love me some Marco Luciano.
What time do the Giants play today?
After the deadline arrives at 3:00 p.m. PT, the Giants host the Oakland A’s at 6:45 p.m. PT.