The San Francisco Giants find themselves in a less-than-ideal situation. Just years removed from winning multiple titles, this organization is stuck between a false hope of contention and a complete rebuild.
San Francisco enters Wednesday’s action with a 10-14 record and in last place in the NL West. It almost seems to be just a matter of time before new front office head Farhan Zaidi goes on a selling spree.
That could very well include former World Series MVP and four-time All-Star Madison Bumgarner, who is a free agent at the end of the season.
According to this note from former MLB general manager and The Athletic insider Jim Bowden, a number of teams line up well in regards to a potential Bumgarner trade with the Giants.
“There are several teams where he would fit nicely, including the Braves, Phillies, Brewers and Astros,” Bowden noted. “All of those organizations have strong minor league systems and would match up well in a trade with the Giants.”
As locked in as any MLB insider, Bowden also noted that time is running out for the Giants to sign Bumgarner to an extension. Short of that happening between now and July 31, the ace starter will likely be traded.
Bumgarner, 29, has pitched to a 1-3 record with a 3.66 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in five starts this season. San Francisco has given him a total of 16 runs of support in those outings.
Needless to say, he’d be the most highly-coveted pitcher on the trade market should the Giants decide to go in that direction.