Understand SF Giants Now Out On Reported Blockbuster Trade Targets

Before the San Francisco Giants pulled off a major trade to land Rafael Devers, they were reportedly considering other options. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, both the Giants and the Seattle Mariners had been closely monitoring Arizona Diamondbacks hitters Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez.

SF Giants likely now out on reported trade targets with division rival

Naturally, the Giants’ acquisition of Rafael Devers just hours later likely removed them from the market entirely. They had started the season with LaMonte Wade Jr. as their everyday first baseman, but after underperforming, he was placed on waivers and eventually dealt to the Los Angeles Angels.

In Wade Jr.’s place, the Giants brought in Dominic Smith, who has performed well—posting a .919 OPS along with one home run and seven RBIs in 42 plate appearances. Before Smith’s arrival, the Giants received virtually no production at first base, so even average performance would’ve been an upgrade. So far, Smith has exceeded expectations.

What remains uncertain is how the Giants will deploy Smith now that Devers is in the fold. One possibility is keeping Smith at first base, using Devers as the designated hitter, and shifting Wilmer Flores to a bench role. Another is flipping Flores and Smith in that arrangement. Either way, Devers’ addition indirectly boosts the depth of the bench.

Still, Smith may have always been seen as a temporary solution, given his history as a serviceable but unspectacular first baseman. The Giants were likely planning to pursue a more impactful bat ahead of the trade deadline, with Josh Naylor among the potential targets.

That said, the Diamondbacks’ position in the standings could dictate their trade stance. At 36–35 and in fourth place in the NL West, their .507 winning percentage could make them buyers rather than sellers by the deadline.

In theory, Naylor fit the mold of the bat the Giants were looking for at first base. But given that the Diamondbacks are division rivals, someone like Rhys Hoskins from Milwaukee or Ryan O’Hearn from Baltimore might have been more realistic alternatives.

Eugenio Suárez, by contrast, was a less logical fit. Though he plays third base, a position change may be in his near future. While he brings power to the lineup, most of his homers—16 out of 21—have come at the hitter-friendly Chase Field. In any case, the point is now moot, as the Giants addressed their need in dramatic fashion by acquiring Devers.