The trade only has an impact on Seattle and San Francisco. But what if it’s a chess move to make room for an outfielder who used to play for the Chicago Cubs?
In exchange for outfielder Mitch Haniger and right-handed pitcher Anthony DeSclafani on Friday, the Giants received left-handed starting pitcher Robbie Ray from the Mariners.
Although the Giants may have to wait a little while for him, it’s a much-needed pitching addition. Ray played for the Mariners for the last two seasons after winning the Cy Young award with Toronto in 2021. But after Tommy John surgery, he was out for the entirety of the previous campaign. Thus, Ray might make a comeback to the mound in 2024’s second half.
The cost of obtaining a possible reinforcement for the second half of the season is Haniger and DeSclafani. However, it accomplished more than just that; it made room for the Giants on the roster and in the outfield.
Although Haniger was in San Francisco last season, where he batted just.209 in 61 games, he was actually a former Mariner.
Although there are still many alternatives for the Giants in the outfield, Blake Sabol is now positioned in left field, Jung Hoo Lee is in centre field, and Michael Conforto is in right field according to the depth chart.
As has long been speculated, the Giants still have plenty of room to pursue Cody Bellinger.
Out of all the Giants’ current outfield choices, Bellinger would provide them with the most pop.
Despite missing a month due to injury, Bellinger slashed.307/.356/.525/.881 in 130 games with 26 home runs and 97 RBI to win the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.