The San Francisco Giants have several areas to address with the trade deadline now less than two months away. While first base clearly stands out as a position in need of improvement, a few other spots are also starting to become concerns.
Top trade targets the SF Giants should consider to upgrade the right side of the field
1. First base
First base has been a persistent problem for the Giants all season. The team recently designated former Willie Mac Award winner LaMonte Wade Jr. for assignment and brought in veteran lefty Dominic Smith on a one-year deal. Smith has delivered solid at-bats and came through with some clutch hits in the final two games against the Padres, but it remains to be seen whether he can be a reliable long-term answer.
Internally, the most intriguing option is top prospect Bryce Eldridge, who was just promoted to Triple-A Sacramento. He made an immediate impact, launching a grand slam in only his second game at the new level.
If he continues to perform, the front office — led by Buster Posey — might be compelled to bring him up sooner than expected. Another name in the mix is Jerar Encarnación, who is working his way back from hand surgery. Though his return has been slow, a hot streak could make him a factor at the position.
Still, there’s a strong possibility the Giants will need to look outside the organization. Two potential trade targets are Ryan O’Hearn and Rhys Hoskins. O’Hearn has been a bright spot for a struggling Orioles team, posting the best numbers of his career.
Hoskins hasn’t been quite as sharp, but he still offers solid power and valuable postseason experience. Other names like Yandy Díaz and Ryan Mountcastle could be considered, though they appear to be longer shots.
Stats as of 6/7/25:
| Player | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | wRC+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan O’Hearn | .317 | .402 | .505 | 9 | 162 |
| Rhys Hoskins | .268 | .362 | .449 | 9 | 127 |
2. Second Base
Second base hasn’t been nearly as problematic as first base, but it’s still not a strong spot for the Giants. Tyler Fitzgerald has held his own, but overall, he’s been underwhelming. He had a brief hot stretch, but his power has disappeared—just two home runs—and his wRC+ has dipped to 95. On the plus side, he’s been dependable on defense, recording 4 Defensive Runs Saved, and his elite speed (13th in MLB sprint speed, 97th percentile) adds value.
If the Giants want more offensive production at the position, Amed Rosario could be a viable option. He’s batting .290 with a 115 wRC+ in limited opportunities and has slightly more pop than Fitzgerald with three homers. Another possibility is Yoán Moncada, who’s slashing .237/.336/.505 with six home runs. While neither is a top-tier upgrade, second base is generally a weak position in the National League, so even modest improvements could make a difference.
3. Right Field
Right field isn’t a major concern at the moment, but it remains an unsettled spot. Mike Yastrzemski looked rejuvenated early in the season, but struggled through a tough May, hitting just .215 without a single home run. Luis Matos was widely expected to be the long-term answer, but underwhelmed and was recently sent back to Triple-A. Meanwhile, Daniel Johnson made an impact in his season debut against the Padres, delivering multiple hits and a crucial game-saving catch.
While Johnson offered a welcome spark, the position is still far from secure. As previously mentioned, Jerar Encarnación could become a viable option if his bat heats up — especially since the Giants are in need of more power in the lineup.
4. Final Thoughts
The Giants face plenty of uncertainty on the right side of the field, but they aren’t without options. Internally, players like Eldridge and Jackson could fill the void, while external trade targets such as O’Hearn and Rosario present potential upgrades. The key question is whether the front office will act decisively before time runs out.
With this being Buster Posey’s first trade deadline in a leadership role, there’s a lot of unknown. If San Francisco truly wants to contend, they can’t afford to let these issues drag on.
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