It’s a little too early for comparisons, but the 2025 season has the makings of four years ago for the San Francisco Giants.
The 2021 Giants did what very few thought possible, winning 107 games to edge the heavily favored Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West race. The Dodgers, of course, knocked San Francisco out of the playoffs, but it was one of the most exciting regular seasons in franchise history.
If the Giants want to take down the 2025 version of the Dodgers, though, they may need more firepower. This Dodgers team is one of the greatest collections of talent ever assembled on a baseball field, and so far, the 19-10 Giants have only edged them out by half a game for first place.
Would the Giants consider upgrading their starting rotation? If so, there could be a decorated veteran available via trade with the Houston Astros.
On Sunday, Dylan Sanders of Giants on SI named Astros lefty Framber Valdez, a two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion, as a potential trade target for San Francisco ahead of the Jul. 31 deadline.
“Framber Valdez has been one of baseball’s best pitchers over the last few years, but is headed to free agency after this season,” Sanders wrote. It’s not that he is likely to be moved at the deadline, but is isn’t out of the question.”
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“They could likely withstand the loss and then get something back for him rather than losing him for nothing this offseason. If Houston is open to moving him, (Giants president of baseball operations Buster) Posey should be one of the first people on the phone with them.”
Valdez, 32, is making $18 million this season and could command a nine-figure contract in free agency. While the Giants may not want to take the risk in re-signing him, he could be the perfect rental for a playoff push.
All of this depends on the Astros either being out of the race or willing to stomach losing one of their stars to re-stock an ailing farm system. While San Francisco shouldn’t count on it happening, it’s a possibility worth exploring.
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