The San Francisco Giants have made a noteworthy acquisition, securing the services of 2021 Cy Young winner Robbie Ray in a trade with the Seattle Mariners. This swap involves veteran players and could potentially signal further moves for both teams involved. Let’s delve into the details of this trade and analyze its implications for the Giants and Mariners.
In this trade, the Giants sent outfielder Mitch Haniger and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani to the Mariners in exchange for Robbie Ray. The 32-year-old Ray, who recently won the prestigious Cy Young award, is owed $73 million over the final three seasons of his contract. Although he underwent Tommy John surgery, Ray is expected to make a return to the field after the All-Star break. It is crucial to note that his contract includes an opt-out clause after the 2024 season, when he is scheduled to receive $23 million.
On the other side, the Mariners acquired Haniger and DeSclafani to bolster their roster. Haniger, 33, spent five seasons with the Mariners before joining the Giants on a three-year, $43.5 million free agent deal last winter. He is due to earn $17 million this season and has an opt-out option afterward, followed by a $15.5 million salary in 2025. DeSclafani, 33, is in the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract and is owed $12 million in 2024. To balance the salaries in 2024, the Giants will send $3 million to the Mariners. This trade presents an opportunity for the Mariners to utilize Haniger in a corner-outfield or designated hitter role.
The trade between the Giants and Mariners is significant for both teams, indicating strategic reconfigurations within their respective rosters. The Mariners, after finishing just one game short of the playoffs with a record of 88-74, have embarked on a roster overhaul. They traded third baseman Eugenio Suarez and left fielder Jarred Kelenic while losing outfielder Teoscar Hernandez to free agency. In an effort to strengthen their lineup beyond Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and J.P. Crawford, the Mariners signed catcher/DH Mitch Garver to a two-year, $24 million deal. This move aims to inject power into their offensive game.
For the Giants, missing out on free agents Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto has led to a change in their outfield/DH configuration. By trading Haniger, they have opened up a slot for other players to step in. However, their major offseason move was securing center fielder Jung Hoo Lee through a six-year, $113 million deal. Furthermore, the Giants still have a talented group of outfielders on their roster, including Michael Conforto, Mike Yastrzemski, Luis Matos, Austin Slater, and Blake Sabol, who also doubles as a catcher.
Robbie Ray, who signed a lucrative five-year, $115 million contract with the Mariners in 2022 after his exceptional Cy Young season with the Toronto Blue Jays, brings pitching excellence to the Giants. In his first season with the Mariners, Ray recorded a solid 3.71 ERA over 189 innings, amassing 212 strikeouts while allowing only 62 walks. Unfortunately, his season was cut short after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Nevertheless, once Ray returns to the field, he will join a formidable rotation consisting of ace Logan Webb, Alex Cobb, Ross Stripling, and another young starter or potential free agent signing.
Mitch Haniger, a former Mariner, struggled during his one year with the Giants, posting a batting average of .209. With his return to Seattle, the Mariners hope he can reclaim his previous form. Haniger’s track record, including a .263/.337/.480 average during his time with the Mariners, suggests he has the potential to be a valuable asset for his original team.
Anthony DeSclafani’s re-signing with the Giants after a standout 2021 season was marred by injury struggles over the following years. He has recorded a disappointing 5.16 ERA across 118⅔ innings in the last two seasons. However, DeSclafani’s inclusion in the trade provides Seattle with much-needed pitching depth for their already impressive rotation.
The Giants’ acquisition of Robbie Ray in exchange for Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani signifies an important trade between the two teams. With the addition of Ray, the Giants strengthen their pitching rotation, while the Mariners acquire experienced players who can contribute to their lineup. This trade sets the stage for future moves by both organizations as they continue to fine-tune their rosters. Only time will tell how this transaction impacts the Giants and Mariners in the long run.