Giants' 5.31 ERA starter could be 'decent gamble' at trade deadline

The San Francisco Giants are guaranteed to be sellers at this year's trade deadline. 

Their poor season should keep Buster Posey busy on the phones before August 3. San Francisco's president of baseball operations has a few players he could dangle in trade talks. 

Second baseman Luis Arraez appears to be a sure thing to be moved, given his impending free agency and potential value to contending teams on the market. 

In the rotation, Logan Webb is certainly not going anywhere. But Posey could opt to deal another right-hander. 

Tyler Mahle 'likely' to be traded by Giants 

"After posting a 6.04 ERA in his first 11 starts this season and suffering a left hamstring injury that kept him out of action for a month, it looked like Mahle’s trade value was nonexistent," MLB.com's Mark Feinsand wrote. 

Mahle's signing has not worked out the way the Giants had likely hoped. But he had a strong finish last season with the Texas Rangers, opening the door for some clubs to show interest. 

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"Since his return, the 31-year-old impending free agent has a 3.76 ERA in five starts, and given that he pitched well for the Rangers last season (2.18 ERA in 16 starts), Mahle could be a decent gamble for clubs seeking rotation depth," Feinsand added. 

Given Mahle's recent success, there may be a few teams who could slot him in as their fourth or fifth starter, with a move to the bullpen for the postseason. 

However, it's unlikely the return is substantial for the Giants. At the very most, Posey may be able to snag a few minor leaguers that are lacking prospect status. 

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