How Former Top Prospect Bartolo Colon Almost Became a Giant in 1996

From 1997 through 2002, Bartolo Colon won 85 games for Cleveland and helped the Indians reach the playoffs four times during that span.

Now, imagine if Colon had been pitching for the Giants during those six seasons.

It almost happened, according to a story published by The Athletic on Tuesday.

The story, written by Andrew Baggarly, chronicles the Giants' trade of All-Star third baseman Matt Williams to Cleveland in 1996.

Then-new GM Brian Sabean, assistant GM Ned Colletti and special advisor to the GM Dick Tidrow were negotiating the controversial trade with the Indians' GM at the time, John Hart.

The two sides met at the 1996 GM meetings in Phoenix and started discussing the package that would come back to San Francisco.

According to all parties involved, shortstop Jose Vizcaino was the first player they agreed to. Then the Giants asked for Jeff Kent, which Cleveland agreed to.

That's where Colon comes in. According to Hart, the Giants asked for the 23-year-old pitching prospect.

Colon hadn't yet reached the big leagues, but in 21 games between Double-A and Triple-A in 1996, he posted a 2.57 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 77 innings.

The Giants and Indians settled on reliever Julian Tavarez as the third player the Giants would get back for Williams, and the Giants made Cleveland include $1 million in the deal.

The team would later swap players to be named later (pitcher Joe Roa to the Giants, outfielder Trinidad Hubbard to the Indians).

Colon may not have come to San Francisco in 1996, but there's a chance for the Giants to right a wrong this winter … sign 45-year-old free agent Bartolo Colon.