Instead of trading their best pitcher for several top prospects, the Giants could do the exact opposite.
Fox Sports' Jon Morosi reported on Thursday that the Giants had a "high-level scout" in Detroit earlier this week to watch left-handed starter Matthew Boyd.
#SFGiants had a high-level scout at Matthew Boyd's start in Detroit on Tuesday, which supports @Feinsand's report about the Giants potentially *buying* in the coming days. @MLB @MLBNetwork— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 25, 2019
That "high-level scout" witnessed Boyd give up five hits and two earned runs over six innings while striking out eight.
Boyd, 28, is arbitration eligible for three more seasons, so the price to get him from the Tigers would be high, likely costing several top prospects.
In 21 starts this season, Boyd has a 4.07 ERA and 168 strikeouts in 126 innings.
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While Boyd would be a fit for the Giants, it was likely force president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi to dip into his replenished farm system, something he may be reluctant to do.
Earlier on Thursday, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, citing a source with knowledge of the team's plans, reported that the Giants could end up being buyers and hold on to ace Madison Bumgarner.
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Adding Boyd would fall in line with the "buyer" mentality, but it would go against the Giants' desire to build the farm system for the future.
Giving up one or two top 10 prospects from their blossoming system for a 28-year-old pitcher with a career 4.85 ERA just doesn't seem like a smart move by Zaidi.