By Jack Loder
The MLB trade deadline is still six weeks away, but the Giants are becoming trendy potential sellers already. A terribly underwhelming first half has pundits publicly showcasing the Giants’ trade eligible veterans. Behind the scenes, the reservoir of contending teams, ballooned by Rob Manfred’s insistence to water down the achievement of playoff berths by expanding the playoffs, teams are undoubtedly kicking the tires on the likes of Robbie Ray, Luis Arraez, and maybe Logan Webb?
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal penned a piece Monday that highlighted the Giants’ potential for a bountiful return at the deadline. He also, however, indicated that the team is far less willing than much of the public to trade ace Logan Webb. Webb, a homegrown product and a Northern California native, is on a relatively team friendly deal and under club control for two more seasons. He’s pitched like the two-time All Star he is since returning from a knee injury in late May, increasing his potential value with each dominant start.
Webb hasn’t just been an ace since his return from injury, he’s arguably been the best pitcher in the sport over those four starts. He’s tossed 27.1 innings, posting a 0.66 ERA, a 0.73 WHIP, and striking out 23. He’s gone eight innings in his last two outings, allowing one earned run combined in those 16 frames. A contending team would salivate at the opportunity to add Webb to the mix.
The argument against dealing him is largely sentimental. There are practical reasons to keep him around, but the aforementioned local roots and proud development play a strong role too. Would Buster Posey, who has proven to be ready to make bold moves, deal his former teammate for a prospect haul that would vault the Giants’ farm to the top five or so in the league? His decision should be based solely on the future. Whether that’s 2027 or beyond. Because if Webb isn’t traded, 2026 will be the fifth straight postseason he watches from his couch.
The Braves and Brewers are National League contenders who would be immediately vastly improved with Webb in the mix. The Cubs, Cardinals, and Phillies could also make a case. If the Giants don’t want to send Webb to an NL adversary, the White Sox, Mariners, Yankees and Guardians would love to chat.
Last June, Posey shocked the baseball world when the Giants acquired Rafael Devers in a blockbuster deal that came this far before the deadline. It may be prudent to pounce on a Webb deal when the iron is hottest, which is probably right now.
Other moves are more obvious. The Giants must get all they can for Robbie Ray, and for Luis Arraez. Arraez has been one of the best hitters in baseball in 2026, with his new and improved glove shocking everyone. Ray hasn’t had his best season, but his pedigree and overall stuff will entice contenders. These two are the easy ones.
It gets more complicated when you consider the massive contracts of Willy Adames, Rafael Devers, and Matt Chapman. Chapman has been red hot in June, slowly working his way back toward career average numbers after an abysmal start to the year. He’s the one player on the roster with a no trade clause, further complicating a potential deal. A trade involving Chapman and Adames would severely hurt the prospect haul the Giants would receive, as a reciprocating team would be taking on much of these player friendly contracts. In some cases, the Giants may even be forced to attach a prospect to financially entice a suitor. There’s real questions about whether or not that’s worth it.
The optics of a seismic sale also must be considered. This ownership group has been staunchly against perceived “rebuilds” forever. A team like the Giants, cash rich, with an incredible ballpark and a dedicated fan base, should never do a full rebuild in theory. But these prudent moves don’t have to be branded as such. A passionate and intelligent fanbase understands the needs to scrap a disastrous 2026 and capitalize on assets before they die on the vine.
Buster Posey and Zack Minasian have proven themselves to be bold executives, but not yet good executives. If they stick to their own script, they’ll make bold, forward facing moves for the future of this franchise before the end of the summer.
