The Giants are exploring all options to improve their roster for 2023, and one road they could take is trading to address some of their several needs.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, San Francisco is one of multiple teams interested in Brewers second baseman Kolten Wong. Wong, 32, has one year remaining on his contract but could be available as Milwaukee looks to shed salary.
The Giants, Dodgers and Mariners are each interested in Wong, sources told Rosenthal. Wong is due $10 million in his walk year of 2023.
Wong hit 15 home runs in 2022 and posted a .770 OPS. In every full season since 2019, he’s posted an above average OPS+. Wong won Gold Glove awards in 2019 and 2020, but his defensive metrics trended closer to neutral last year.
Milwaukee has several players getting more expensive in arbitration, so the club may cut costs via trade. The Brewers dealt Hunter Renfroe to the Angels and sent Josh Hader to San Diego during the 2022 season.
The Brewers also have infield depth, with Willy Adames, Luis Urias and Michael Brosseau. Rookie Brice Turang and several other prospects may also be ready contribute this year.
Wong would address San Francisco’s need for a left-handed hitting infielder. Given Tommy La Stella’s uncertain status with the club, Brandon Crawford is the only established lefty infielder expected at the moment. Lefties Isan Díaz and Brett Wisely are also on the active roster, but are much less proven than a player like Wong.
