San Francisco Giants: 8 Jonathan Sanchez Trade Scenarios

The San Francisco Giants will have six starters when Jonathan Sanchez comes off the disabled list. When that happens, management will have to decide what to do with the rotation situation.

A possibility that comes closer and closer to reality each day is trading Jonathan Sanchez. The lefty has been the center of trade rumor and speculation since he came to the big leagues. If Barry Zito secures his spot as a starter then Sanchez could find himself on his way out of the area.

After a disappointing start in San Jose on Sunday, Sanchez will have to work to improve both his pitching and trade value. Management has to figure out if losing an excellent starter is worth a potential rental player for the season.

These are seven trade ideas that could bring new help to San Francisco.

New York Mets: Carlos Beltran for Jonathan Sanchez and Brett Pill

Beside Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran is the player most commonly linked to the Giants in trade talks. He’s the power-hitting outfielder that would be fantastic in the middle of the painfully lifeless Giants lineup.

The Mets have reportedly wanted a top prospect in return for Beltran but it is extremely unlikely the Giants would part with someone like Zach Wheeler for a rental player.

The Mets need help with their starting pitching, though, so Jonathan Sanchez and a prospect like Francisco Peguero or Brett Pill could result in a deal.

Minnesota Twins: Michael Cuddyer for Jonathan Sanchez

The Twins say Michael Cuddyer isn’t going anywhere, but the team is six games back in the AL Central. It could be smart to get something for the 32-year-old player while he’s still putting up good numbers.

Cuddyer could play both outfield and infield and would serve as a good replacement for San Francisco’s second half of the 2011 season. He’s a free agent after this season but Freddy Sanchez should be back by next year.

As the Giants’ prospects improve to big league status they could fill Cuddyer’s void if he’s not back for 2012.

Houston Astros: Michael Bourn for Jonathan Sanchez

A Michael Bourn trade would add another below-300 outfielder to San Francisco. However Bourn has 35 stolen bases.

The Giants don’t have a power offense—heck, they don’t have much offense at all—but they do play small ball. A guy who can get on base and steal could mean a lot to a team who plays so many extra-inning games.

San Francisco thrives on one-run games and Bourn would be a good addition to that mindset. He might not be enough for Jonathan Sanchez though.

Chicago Cubs: Jeff Baker for Jonathan Sanchez

The Cubs have said they will not trade Jeff Baker, but there’s a chance the Giants could change their minds.

Chicago is in desperate need of pitching, and if Jonathan Sanchez gets back on track, he could completely turn their team around.

Jeff Baker is a 30-year-old utility man with a .301 batting average. That’s definitely something that would help out the Giants for the rest of the season.

Kansas City Royals: Alex Gordon for Jonathan Sanchez

Alex Gordon was the 2007 No. 2 prospect in all of baseball turned bust. However this year he’s batting .299 and is showing he’s still got skill.

He’s been injured multiple times but many DL trips were cautionary. Scouts don’t expect him to continue at this level, but if he does he could be this year’s unexpected San Francisco hero.

Trading Sanchez for Gordon could be unfair for the Giants, so the Royals may need to add something else.

Cincinnati Reds: Ramon Hernandez for Jonathan Sanchez

The 35-year-old Ramon Hernandez is hitting .315 in 2011. He’s an everyday role catcher, and would be a huge upgrade to both Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart.

He’s a free agent after this season but the Giants would have him at least until Posey returns next year.

He has 10 season home runs, more than anyone on the Giants (Aubrey Huff has nine). An experienced catcher who still has some offensive pop is pretty much exactly what the Giants need behind the plate.

Houston Astros: Hunter Pence for Jonathan Sanchez and Francisco Peguero

Matt Meyers of ESPN suggests San Francisco and Houston trade Francisco Peguero of the Giants for the Astro's Hunter Pence. This trade is so unlikely to happen because of the low return Houston would get for such a highly sought-after player.

They do need pitching, though, and Jonathan Sanchez would be a great addition to their rotation. Put him and Peguero together in a package deal to get Pence.

Unfortunately the Astros have a few years before they contend again, and by that time Pence will be out of his prime. The Astros should trade him for pitchers and work out of their farm system.

St. Louis Cardinals: Colby Rasmus for Jonathan Sanchez and Ramon Ramirez

Colby Rasmus is another player that is seemingly unavailable. The Cardinals' top priority right now is pitching though and a trade package of Jonathan Sanchez and Ramon Ramirez could be extremely attractive to the Cardinals.

The 24-year-old center fielder would bring his .241 batting average and nine season home runs to San Francisco. He’s signed through 2011 and is arbitration eligible in 2012. He could become another young staple in the Giants organization.

Your Turn

Do you think Jonathan Sanchez will be leaving the Giants this season?

Which trades are the most likely? Which would never happen in a million years?

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