Key Takeaways:
– San Francisco Giants may trade 2017 All-Star outfielder Michael Conforto as part of a rebuilding strategy amid a tough season.
– Luis Matos, a young talent who has shone in Conforto’s injury absence, may be a catalyst for this decision.
– Conforto isn’t the only player likely to be traded as the Giants may consider moving away veteran players to build a new team around young talent.
San Francisco Giants’ Troubles & Probable Trade Moves
The initial part of 2023 season has been an uphill struggle for the San Francisco Giants. They find themselves second to last in the National League West due to a sluggish performance, and the team is considering potential solutions. One conceivable strategy may involve trading some of the veterans on the roster, creating space for young talen. Michael Conforto, the 2017 All-Star outfielder, appears to be the top candidate for a trade move according to Joel Reuter from the Bleacher Report.
Conforto hit a bump in his career after missing the 2022 season to shoulder surgery. His comeback hasn’t been as influential as expected, with a batting average (BA) of .239, on-base percentage (OBP) of .334, and slugging percentage (SLG) of .384, alongside 15 home runs in 125 games. A steep improvement is required from Conforto upon his return to justify his hefty $18 million salary. His possible exit from the Giants, though, could be an opportunity for others in a market short on offensive improvements.
Rising Prospects: Luis Matos
The silver lining during this challenging period comes in the form of Luis Matos. Aged just 22, Matos was a consensus top-100 prospect in 2022 and has taken the opportunity to replace Conforto, who is currently sidelined due to a right hamstring strain. Matos has shown great promise in his initial appearances, hinting at a bright future and proving a formidable replacement for Conforto.
Matos’ impressive performances have been a breath of fresh air in a difficult season for the Giants. He made his mark in the Giants’ 14-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies, contributing significantly to the team’s triumph. Matos’ consistent performance, batting .325 with two home runs and 18 RBI in just eight games, has delighted the Giants’ fans and may have solidified his position in the team.
Other Potential Departures
The Giants’ front office do have other options on the table. Besides Conforto, players like Alex Cobb, Austin Slater, and Nick Ahmed are entering free agency after this season. Furthermore, players like Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, Robbie Ray, and Wilmer Flores have the option to become free agents for 2025 according to Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report.
Trading these players could attract many prospects to the Giants, helping them create a younger and more dynamic squad. However, these speculations depend entirely on the decisions taken by the team’s upper management regarding their rebuilding strategy.
As we delve further into the season, these are challenging, albeit exciting, times for the San Francisco Giants. Whether fan-favorite Michael Conforto will be traded or other veterans will depart remains to be seen. Regardless of these speculated changes, fans will be expecting a stronger performance from their favorite team moving forward.