MLB Trade Rumors: 7 Best Offensive Trade Options for San Francisco Giants

Despite one of the worst offensive attacks this year in the MLB, the San Francisco Giants have managed to balance a division leading 52-40 record on the back of a title contending pitching staff.

With that said, the success of manager Bruce Bochy and the Giants heading into the second half of the season is going to hinge on the team's ability to acquire a big bat before the July trade deadline.

Whether it's Buster Posey's season ending injury, lackluster years from Aubrey Huff and Miguel Tejada or failed experiments with their young rookies, it's becoming evident that San Francisco's luck is eventually going to run out.

That's why management needs to pull the trigger for an offensive upgrade and do it in a concise manner.

Here are the top seven best offensive trade options for the Giants and their struggling offense.

7. Ramon Hernandez, C, Cincinnati Reds

Since losing catcher Buster Posey to a season ending leg injury, the San Francisco Giants have done their very best to squeeze any and all offensive production out of his replacements.

Those lineup band-aids have been Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart, who've combined to hit a cool .200 with three home runs, 15 RBI and seven doubles through a total of 167 at-bats.

Now, while the Giants are far from the only team with catching woes, they are one of the only playoff contending ball clubs who could chance their future on catcher Ramon Hernandez.

Despite being part of a catching committee in Cincinnati, Hernandez has compiled 10 home runs, 26 RBI and a .322 average in 180 at-bats this year.

The Reds should be willing to deal the 35-year-old impending free agent considering catcher Ryan Hannigan is a solid option behind the plate.

The only concern the Giants should have is whether or not Hernandez can once again withstand the physical demands as an everyday catcher.

Remember, he's not used to participating in the MLB playoffs, only playing in two series since 2003.

2011 Stats: .322/.376/.538 with 10 HR, 26 RBI, 9 Doubles, 23:14 K:BB

Trade Likelihood: 85 percent

**Impending Free Agent**

6. Any Consistent Shortstop

Rookie shortstop Brandon Crawford just hasn't worked out offensively for the San Francisco Giants in 2011.

Granted, he's young and will serve as a solid option for years to come. Crawford's .208 average in 125 at-bats screams for a change.

When mentioning offensively potent shortstops available for trade, a handful of players make sense, and Jose Reyes isn't one of them.

Despite much speculation revolving around Reyes being traded to the Giants, it's highly unlikely that the team will go after a high profile shortstop, on a three month loan, currently sidelined with an injured hamstring.

Sorry, folks; don't believe everything you hear.

Beyond the New York Mets elite speedster, the MLB trade market offers a variety of solid options.

J.J. Hardy, Jason Bartlett, Marco Scutaro and even an aging and unpredictable Rafael Furcal are all possible acquisitions.

Dismissing Crawford from the lineup could put a damper on the Giants defensive abilities up the middle, but at this point, isn't that a reasonable price to pay?

Trade Likelihood: 75 percent

5. Carlos Pena, 1B, Chicago Cubs

Not only is Carlos Pena back to his power hitting ways, but the dead water Chicago Cubs should be more than willing to rid themselves of the impending free agent by the end of July.

More glory for the San Francisco Giants.

San Fran is desperately in need of a power hitting threat, and Pena could fill that leak with ease.

On pace for 34 home runs and nearly 90 walks, the 33-year-old first baseman is poised for a huge second half surge.

Despite his high strikeout rate, a lot of teams are going to scout Pena over the next few weeks and make a plan to land his services for the remainder of the season.

While it would be absolutely crazy to see him hit lefty at Yankee Stadium, seeing him wear a Giants uniform could launch the division leaders into instant NL pennant contention.

Move over, Aubrey Huff; Pena's coming to down.  Well, maybe.

2011 Stats: .225/.339/.461 with 19 HR, 49 RBI, 43 R, 49 BB

Trade Likelihood: 40 percent

**Impending Free Agent**

4. Michael Cuddyer, 1B/2B/OF, Minnesota Twins

As it looks right now, the Minnesota Twins are going to trade either Francisco Liriano, Michael Cuddyer or Jason Kubel before the July deadline.

And seeing as Cuddyer is the most consistent offensive threat in the bunch and one of those guys is a pitcher, the 32-year-old has a good chance at landing in San Francisco to help rescue the Giants offense.

Cuddyer has proved over the years that when's he able to stay healthy, he serves as a good means for 20-plus home runs, 100-plus RBI and an average that hovers around .280.

Well, the dual-eligible threat is looking healthy and is currently on pace for 23 homers, a .298 average and 12 stolen bases, making him a worthwhile acquisition for any team that needs instant production.

Considering Cuddyer is on his way towards a free agent market this offseason, it would be surprising to see him disgruntled to leave the cool weather of Minnesota.

2011 Stats: .298/.368/.474 with 13 HR, 43 RBI, 16 Doubles, 7 SB, 33 BB

Trade Likelihood: 50 percent

**Impending Free Agent**

3. B.J. Upton, OF, Tampa Bay Rays

This might be my own imagination working against me or the fact that it's been speculated that the Tampa Rays are fully open to the idea of moving B.J. Upton, but I really think he's got a chance to land in the NL by the end of July.

If the San Francisco Giants were to make a move for a young power-speed combo hitter entering his prime, they'd surely have to give up some young talent.

I'm not saying they'd surrender Brandon Belt or Madison Bumgarner, but crazier things have happened.

Upton would be more than ready to harness the Giants lineup and give them a substantial lift in the production department.

While is average comes in at much lower than Bruce Bochy would like, Upton's 15 home runs and 21 stolen bases more than make up for his sometimes absence contact ability.

The 26-year-old is on pace for a career year, minus the average of course, as he's projected to end the 2011 season with 27 homers, 91 RBI, 38 stolen bases and 70 walks.

Consider him a long shot, but for what he'll do on the field, it can't hurt to dream big.

2011 Stats: .239/.324/.427 with 15 HR, 50 RBI, 21 SB, 39 BB, 13 Doubles

Trade Likelihood: 25 percent

2. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Chicago Cubs

Aramis Ramirez should be packing his bags as we speak.

In the midst of a contract season, unlikely to resign this offseason with the lowly Chicago Cubs, the veteran third baseman should be one of the first players moved by the July trade deadline.

The New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers are just a few MLB teams seemingly interested in landing a veteran bat.

This means the San Francisco Giants need to act fast to lockup the power hitting corner-man for the remainder of the season.

In the middle of a resurgent comeback campaign, Ramirez has proved to be one of the most consistent run producers around and arguably the hottest hitter in baseball over the last month and a half, hitting .323 with 13 home runs and 32 RBI since June 1.

Ramirez would in fact take over at third base, moving Pablo Sandoval to first, but considering Panda played some games at first base last year and desperately needs some company in the lineup, that shouldn't be a deal breaker.

The 33-year-old is going to be a very hot commodity over the next few weeks, so the Giants need to move now and bolster down their stagnant offense.

2011 Stats: .298/.346/.497 with 15 HR, 51 RBI, 21 Doubles, 43 R

Trade Likelihood: 70 percent

**Impending Free Agent**

1. Carlos Beltran, OF, New York Mets

Carlos Beltran is back, baby.

Despite a recent slew of yearly injuries, Beltran's big bat has finally resurfaced in 2011, arguably pegging him as the comeback player of the year.

At times, his consistency has overshadowed Jose Reyes' MVP-like season, as well as taking over where David Wright and Ike Davis' injuries left off.

He's one of the main reasons why the New York Mets are even close to a .500 record, and could prove to be a savior for the San Francisco Giants playoff run.

Beltran may not come cheap, but he's an elite option for a pedestrian offense down the stretch.

2011 Stats: .285/.376/.503 with 13 HR, 58 RBI, 28 Doubles, 52 R

Trade Likelihood: 90 percent

**Impending Free Agent**