MLB rumors: 5 players the San Francisco Giants should trade away

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 09: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball game at Oracle Park on June 9, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

5 of 5

Mandatory Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images /

1. RP Will Smith

Will Smith picked up his 19th save of the season (and his sixth in June) on Monday night. Going back to May 1, he has allowed just three earned runs over his last 19 innings with 32:3 K/BB ratio. Overall so far this year he is perfect in save opportunities, with 44 strikeouts and just seven walks over 29.2 innings (30 appearances).

Being as good in the closer role as he has been probably gives it away, but Smith can’t be called a platoon-sensitive left-handed reliever. Left-handed hitters have posted a .192/.222/.308 slash-line against Smith this year, while right-handed batters have struggled even more (.156/.217/.286 slash-line).

Via Statcast (h/t to Matt Kelly of MLB.com), that .286 slugging percentage from right-handers could be even lower (.262 expected slugging, or xSLG).

With an expiring contract Smith is a virtual lock to be traded, perhaps sooner rather than later as contending teams try to get ahead of each other in the market for pitching help. The Giants can and should take full advantage.

dark. Next. MLB rumors: 5 players the Cincinnati Reds should trade away

Other Giants who may be on the move before the deadline: 1B Brandon Belt, P Derek Holland, SP Jeff Samardzija, RP Sam Dyson, RP Tony Watson, RP Mark Melancon

Home/San Francisco Giants