As the San Francisco Giants sit on the outside looking in at the National League Playoff race, the front office is looking for ways to try and make a run this season.
In order to do that, San Francisco is reportedly telling teams they need to dump salary. One avenue they’re pursuing to pull it off is trading Hunter Pence.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, San Francisco is offering teams a prospect to take on the remainder of the 35-year-old’s contract.
Pence, who is due slightly less than half of the $18.5 million remaining this season, is in the last year of his contract with San Francisco.
According to Spotrac, San Francisco has the second-highest payroll in the majors. The Giants are aiming to remain below the luxury tax so they can pursue Bryce Harper in the offseason.
Given Pence has a full no-trade clause as part of his contract, the organization would first need his approval on a trade. It could prove to be an additional hurdle in efforts to move him given his .557 OPS this season.