Inbox: If SF Giants only trade for one player at the deadline, who is the best fit?

The San Francisco Giants' biggest need is frontline starting pitching. As the Giants stand now, only Logan Webb and Alex Cobb are reliable arms in the starting rotation. Top prospect Kyle Harrison may become an option down the stretch, but Alex Wood, Anthony DeSclafani, Sean Manaea, and Ross Stripling have failed to seize slam-dunk starters' roles. Trade candidates include Dylan Cease, Blake Snell, Eduardo Rodriguez, Justin Verlander, Marcus Stroman, and Jordan Montgomery. All of those players would fit the SF Giants well, but Rodriguez might offer the best blend of availability, impact, and acquisition cost.

Another SF Giants need has been said to be middle infield, but is that still a need after the promotion of top shortstop prospect Marco Luciano? Luciano has just one MLB game under his belt, but Brandon Crawford is also close to returning and Thairo Estrada is not too far behind. Casey Schmitt and Brett Wisely have struggled to cement roles thus far. Someone like Paul DeJong doesn't seem like a great fit because he's limited to shortstop. Another Cardinals player, however, makes a lot of sense. Tommy Edman can play short, second, third, and all three outfield positions—and play them well.

Can the Giants offload one or more of their "unpitchable" starters? It was reported yesterday that teams have contacted the San Francisco Giants about their veteran pitching depth, and a move seems possible if not likely. In order to add pitching, the Giants would need to clear space on the MLB roster, but there aren't obvious ways to do so with so few players having minor league options. And the Giants pitchers who do have options are guys they wouldn't want to option. It's possible the Giants could include a veteran starter to offset money in a deal.

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The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

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