Madison Bumgarner put on a show in what could have been his last start for the Giants at Oracle Park with the July 31 trade deadline nearing.
The late-night 16-inning showdown that ended in walk-off fashion at the hands of Donovan Solano, ended with the 29-year-old wanting more -- at least following the nine innings he pitched.
Bochy said Bumgarner lobbied to pitch the 10th inning. Was pulled after 94 pitches and nine innings. "He came in after the game, he's still mad at me for not letting him go out in the 10th." — Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) July 19, 2019
That grit and those five strikeouts across his outing with 94 pitches are why Bumgarner's value has been raised, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman:
MadBum raised his trade value with huge performance last night. But the question now is whether he'll be traded at all. One interested exec says he'd already sensed the Giants had "pulled back" in talks. Interesting call now: gutty team that's hot vs. huge trade commodity — Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 19, 2019
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The way the Orange and Black has been playing as of late certainly helps in some of that raised value -- and the fact the team is pushing back isn't surprising. The team has won 12 of the last 15 games and have brought so much excitement and anticipation to a fanbase who had appeared to give up.
It's been special to watch.
But that specialty appears to be coming at a hefty price in addition to what could have already been high.
[RELATED: MadBum beats back at trade rumors]
During his Thursday night outing, reports surfaced a high-level scout from the Red Sox and talent evaluator from the Twins were in attendance watching MadBum face Noah Syndergaard and the Mets. Boston may not have the prominent prospects to make such a trade happen for the ace, but they were more than likely taking a look at Will Smith who could make for a promising ROI.
And in Bumgarner's defense, the experienced starter would be worth it.
