Rays ex-batting champion linked to Giants as possible trade fit
The San Francisco Giants, having started the 2025 season strong with a lead in the National League West, are considering potential trades to bolster their offense as the trade deadline approaches. With Willy Adames struggling, the Giants are exploring options, including a proposed trade for Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz, who despite a slow start, has a history of strong offensive performance. Diaz, a former batting champion and All-Star, could potentially enhance the Giants' lineup, offering improved production from the first base position. His past achievements, including a .281 batting average with 14 home runs last year, suggest he could significantly contribute to the Giants' playoff aspirations, having missed the postseason since 2021. The decision to acquire Diaz could be pivotal in strengthening their infield and boosting their chances of postseason success.
The San Francisco Giants have made a strong start to the 2025 season, leading the National League West and boasting the second-best record in the NL, after a disappointing 80-82 finish the previous year.
As the trade deadline looms, the Giants are looking to enhance their offensive lineup, particularly due to Willy Adames' struggles, and Sports Illustrated's Dylan Sanders suggests trading for Yandy Diaz from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Yandy Diaz, despite his current modest performance with a .241/.280./379 slash line and a .659 OPS, has a proven track record, including a .275/.332/.410 slash line with 17 home runs and 78 RBIs since last season.
Diaz's prior accomplishments include winning a batting championship, earning a Silver Slugger award, and being an All-Star, with a notable .281 batting average, 14 home runs, and a 116 OPS+ last year.
Acquiring Diaz could transform the Giants' infield and significantly boost their chances of reaching the postseason for the first time since 2021, offering them the additional bat they need to compete more effectively.
The potential trade is seen as a strategic move to improve the Giants' offensive production at first base, where Diaz's experience and skill could fill a crucial gap in the lineup.
Curt Bishop, a seasoned sports writer, sheds light on the Giants' strategy and the potential impact of acquiring Diaz, which aligns with their ambition to return to playoff contention.
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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