5 moves the Giants should make at the MLB trade deadline

4. Acquire Justin Upton from the Padres

The San Fransisco Giants already have a reliable left fielder in Nori Aoki.

So why would they make a trade for Justin Upton, who plays the same position and is certain to demand a high asking price?

There are several reasons.

First off, the Giants need a powerful right-handed bat perhaps more than anything besides starting pitching. Aside from All-Star catcher Buster Posey, the team’s right-handed hitters in the starting lineup have compiled a total of 14 home runs. Justin Upton already has 16 himself.

In addition, the Giants’ outfield has been plagued by injuries this season. Starting left fielder Nori Aoki has missed a total of 31 games this season, while right fielder Hunter Pence has missed 66. Both players have returned to action and are playing well, but with a starting outfield consisting solely of players in their 30s, there is no guarantee that more injuries are not on the way.

When you combine these two factors with the fact that the Giants have an extremely thin bench, trading for Upton becomes much more appealing.

The biggest obstacle will be how much the Padres will be asking in return. Despite him being in a contract year, teams are lining up for the 27-year old outfielder.

There is nothing more valuable to San Diego right now than elite prospects, however, and pitchers Kyle Crick and Keury Mella could be enticing trade bait, as well as outfielder Mac Williamson. If the Giants are not confident in their ability to re-sign Upton, though, they should not give up more than one of these players.

Next: 3. Acquire David Price from the Tigers