MLB Trade Deadline: Which teams are buyers?

The Giants own baseball’s best record at the break with a mark of 57-33, and have every reason to believe they could go on a deep postseason run with Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto at the top of the rotation. There are still a couple of holes on San Francisco’s roster, so Brian Sabean will be searching for upgrades at the deadline.

Like so many other buyers, the Giants need relief help prior to the stretch run, even with Sergio Romo’s return from the DL a week ago. The longtime “core four’ of San Francisco’s bullpen has been broken up by retirements and injuries, and the unit needs more depth in the middle innings.

Chapman or Miller would be a huge boost of course, but San Francisco might not be able to match other team’s resources in a bidding war. Instead, look for the Giants to target cheaper middle relief help from teams like the Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies or San Diego Padres.

The Giants have also made it no secret they have been shopping for a corner outfielder since Hunter Pence went down with a hamstring injury. Both Josh Reddick and Ryan Braun have been linked to the Giants in recent weeks, and both potential trade partners could throw in some useful relievers as part of a package deal.

If Joe Panik or Matt Duffy have any trouble in their returns from injury, cheap infield depth like Andres Blanco from Philadelphia might prove useful. A back-end starter to eat some innings in place of the struggling Jake Peavy or the injured Matt Cain could also help.

Next: 3. Texas Rangers