3 pitchers the Giants absolutely need to trade at the deadline

The executive Murray cited believes Cueto would be the most coveted of the Giants’ pitchers. The veteran right-hander is currently sidelined by a lat strain, but he’s nearing a return, perhaps as early as next week according to manager Gabe Kapler.

In three starts before his injury Cueto had a 1.80 ERA with 18 strikeouts, four walks and 13 hits allowed in 20 innings. Prior to last year’s abbreviated season (5.40 ERA over 12 starts), he made just 13 starts in 2018 and 2019. His peak, and his best season with the Giants (2016; 2.79 ERA with five complete games), was a long time ago. That said, his experience is a factor in a potential trade market,

Cueto is making $17 million this year, with a $22 million club option ($5 million buyout) for next year. So if he gets back on the mound and pitches like he did before being injured, the appeal of an expiring contract should bring interest on the trade market. For the Giants, finally, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel on what’s been a very bad contract. Maybe they’d include the $5 million to cover that buyout in order to unload him. In this case, their status as a contender moving forward doesn’t matter all that much.