Robbie Ray trade shouldn’t stop SF Giants pursuit of top free agent starters
“It’s going to probably be an area we continue to look to add by either free agency or trade,” he said.
The question facing the Giants now is what caliber of pitcher they still need. They were reportedly a leading candidate for top free agent starter Blake Snell (#6-ranked free agent). Will they remain willing to ink another starter to a nine-figure contract? The answer remains uncertain.
Zaidi describing Ray as the team’s number two starter was the strongest hint that the team does not seem to be eyeing another top addition. He later added “the long-term vision is Robbie being a tandem atop the rotation with Logan Webb.”
“Knowing that we have Cobb and Ray coming back later in the season, any pitching additions we make from this point on will have to sync up with knowing we’ll have those three guys at the top of the rotation in the second half.”
That sure does not sound like Snell.
“Anytime you make a move, it changes your depth chart and rearranges your priorities, and the level of fit of different players… I’m sure you can do the math that based on today’s trade creates more need in some areas and less in others.”
Of course, there’s reason to take Zaidi’s comments with a grain of salt. After all, negotiations remain ongoing. Snell is represented by Scott Boras and has had no obvious suitors outside of the Giants since Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed with the Dodgers. However, with Jordan Montgomery expected to sign with a team in the South or East Coast and the Giants in need of a top starter, Boras had immense leverage as well.
If the Giants remain interested in Snell, acquiring Ray made it easier for them to counter Boras’ leverage play. The Giants may not have other top end options available in free agency, but they have added a recent Cy Young winner via trade. Now both sides can make a compelling case to the other that they are willing to look elsewhere.
