Giants' $115 Million Veteran Named 'Most Likely' Trade Candidate

The San Francisco Giants have failed to pick up much traction throughout the 2026 MLB season. They're 20-28, in fourth place in the National League West and eight games back from a wild card spot going into their Tuesday matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The eight-time World Series champions are trending toward missing the postseason for the fifth consecutive season. With first-year manager Tony Vitello at the helm, the Giants have been at the center of a handful of trade buzz.

With this year's trade deadline set for Aug. 3, the Giants are expected to be sellers barring a turnaround.

Despite their struggles to pick up wins, the Giants' roster has several talented players to potentially ship off. The Athletic's Jim Bowden tabbed starting pitcher Robbie Ray as San Francisco's most likely trade candidate.

"I’m not sure what’s going on with this team but there is no reason they shouldn’t be a .500 club," Bowden wrote. "They could be an interesting selling team if they decide to move on from their veteran players and rebuild in earnest. Ray is the most likely candidate to be traded at the deadline, and Arraez should be an attractive trade chip since he’s on a one-year deal."

In 10 starts this season, Ray has recorded 54.2 innings and 50 strikeouts, while allowing 50 hits, 12 home runs and 26 earned runs and an opponent batting average of .246. He has posted a 4.28 ERA, 91 ERA+ and 1.317 WHIP.

While he's been far from elite, much like the rest of the Giants' rotation, the 34-year-old is just one season removed from his second-career All-Star appearance.

Any team acquiring Ray wouldn't be taking on much risk either. He is playing in the final season of a five-year, $115 million contract. If he fails to perform at a high level, there's no financial obligation past the 2026 season.

The Giants’ front office faces several pivotal decisions with the deadline months away. Offloading an aging pitcher on an expiring contract could open the door to acquiring players who are younger with more control.