The San Francisco Giants made the first significant trade of the 2026 MLB season, dealing Gold Glove Award winner Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Browns. In a season where a lot has already gone wrong, it appears there may be other steps to take.
USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reported that the Giants "would love to unload" first baseman Rafael Devers, third baseman Matt Chapman, shortstop Willie Adams and outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. This will be part of a "reboot" and redraft effort ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft.
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According to FanGraphs' payroll tracking, the Giants have the 11th-highest payroll in MLB at $230 million. Despite investing over $200 million in the roster, San Francisco has the third-worst record in the National League (17–24) and the worst run differential in MLB (-42) through 41 games.
Will the Giants become sellers at the MLB trade deadline?
If the Giants are going to make another move a few months before the MLB trade deadline, a likely candidate to be dealt would be starting pitcher Robbie Ray. His contract is expiring and it appears he will hit MLB free agency. Dealing him would also save money, as more than half of his $25 million salary is still due this season.
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After that, things become more suspicious. Adams is under contract through 2031, his age-35 season, with an average annual value of $26 million. Given his defensive limitations and only a .223/.304/.405 triple-slash line over his last 200 games, there will be a very thin market for him and San Francisco will need to cover a significant portion of the remainder.
Trading Devers would at least open up first base for top prospect Bryce Aldridge and create a more viable path for Casey Schmidt to get an at-bat in every game. However, since being traded to San Francisco he has compiled only a .237/.330/.438 triple-slash line.
Chapman, meanwhile, is under contract through 2030, when he will make $25.166 million per year as a 37-year-old third baseman. Lee, who has a .692 OPS this season, is owed $22 million annually over the next two seasons and then has a player option for 2028.
In all likelihood, San Francisco won't have much luck trading Devers, Lee, Adams or Chapman, and a deal is also unlikely as all four hitters are struggling at the plate. If the team continues to struggle, Ray, starting pitcher Tyler Mahle and outfielder Harrison Bader are potential trade candidates.
