At nearly .500 all season long, the San Francisco Giants finally have a sense of direction. Forward-thinking while keeping their foundation intact may be the best decision for 2024. The roster spots opening up for younger players may boost their end-of-year push for the playoffs, as well as build confidence for the future.
Soler and Jackson Return to Atlanta
The Giants have officially traded designated hitter Jorge Soler and right-handed reliever Luke Jackson to the Atlanta Braves. This will be a homecoming of sorts, since they both played for Atlanta when they won the World Series in 2021. Soler was traded there mid-season and went on to become the World Series MVP, while Jackson had been with the Braves since 2017.
In return, San Francisco has received Tyler Matzek, a 33-year-old lefty pitcher currently dealing with elbow soreness. He has an earned run average of 9.90 but with the Braves taking on the remaining $26 million on Soler’s deal, the Giants were basically paid to take him. Matzek likely won’t pitch the rest of this season but has a $5.5 million option for 2025 with the Giants, who love to “fix” rehabbing players and help them return to form. Also joining the organization from Atlanta is prospect Sabin Ceballos. He is a third baseman currently in High-A after being drafted last year. Along with their fixer-uppers, the Giants have a tendency to place real value on their prospects and invest in their growth. Whether they will prepare Ceballos in hopes of a future trade or keep him in the organization is yet to be determined, but it’s important to have options.
Overall, this is a trade that Giants fans can get behind. While Soler had been heating up the last few weeks, he wasn’t worth the contract and didn’t live up to expectations. The bullpen is stacked with talent and losing Luke Jackson shouldn’t be a big deal. Relievers and closers are both heavily desired by postseason hopefuls, and it makes sense for the Braves to spend the money (or trade the prospect) as they are hanging on to a Wild Card spot.
Giants Say Goodbye to Alex Cobb
The Giants’ next trade is a bit of a bummer for fans since we have spent all year looking forward to the second-half rotation strengthening. Alex Cobb was traded to the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, after battling injuries and not yet making his season debut. In 2023, he logged 149.2 innings for San Francisco and was one of their two All-Star reps. He knew this trade was a possibility, but wanted to “win with a team that [he’s] lost with.” That being said, he is 36 years old and will be eligible for free agency in a few short months. Giants executives know they need to get younger and more athletic players, and this is a good way to do it.
In exchange for Cobb, the Giants welcomed Jacob Bresnahan and a player to be named later. Bresnahan, the left-handed Minor Leaguer, has an earned run average of 2.70 in 50 innings for Single-A Lynchburg. While he has work to do, he is only 19 years old and has plenty of time to prove this trade is worthwhile.
Looking Ahead
The last two months of the season are here, and decisions have been made. With most of the front office’s focus seemingly on 2025 and beyond, there is still a chance to make the postseason. The Giants waited too long to designate Nick Ahmed for assignment, while Tyler Fitzgerald had a hot streak in him and was sitting on the bench. They won’t make the same mistake again; With Soler gone, a roster spot is now available for Marco Luciano, one of San Francisco’s highest-rated prospects of recent years. He was called up earlier in the season and made some errors, but has had time to work in Triple-A and is undoubtedly excited to get another opportunity in the big leagues. It doesn’t seem like their trades can hurt the Giants much, but the question now is whether or not they will help.
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