Rays ex-batting champion linked to Giants as possible trade fit

The San Francisco Giants are off to a strong start in 2025. After finishing 80-82 last season and missing the playoffs, they currently lead the National League West by a half-game.

They also have the second-best record in the NL to start the year. But when the trade deadline comes around, San Francisco might be in the market for some offensive upgrades.

Willy Adames has struggled to start the year, and they might need somebody to pick up the slack and give them some more production.

Dylan Sanders of Sports Illustrated proposed the idea of San Francisco trading for Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz.

"Bringing in Diaz could immediately make this one of the best infields in all of baseball," Sanders writes.

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"The 33-year-old has had a down start to the campaign, but a change of scenery could do him well.

Since the start of last season, he has posted a .275/.332/.410 slash line with 17 home runs and 78 RBI."

Diaz, a former batting champion, Silver Slugger and All-Star, is off to a slow start, slashing just .241/.280./379 with three home runs, 13 RBI, two stolen bases and a .659 OPS.

However, he could still significantly improve the Giants offensively. They could use one more bat to boost the lineup. He could give them some better production out of the first base spot.

Last year, Diaz hit .281 with 14 home runs, 65 RBI and a 116 OPS+, and the year before, he finished sixth in the American League MVP race.

The Giants have not reached the postseason since 2021, and adding Diaz at the deadline would enhance their chances of getting back in.

We'll see what direction the Giants decide to go.

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