The San Francisco Giants are prepared to cover part of pitcher Robbie Ray's salary to facilitate a trade before the MLB deadline on August 3, according to mlbtraderumors.
com.
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Ray, a left-handed starter, has a 3.16 ERA over 116 2/3 innings this season.
He is making $25 million this year, with about $8 million remaining on his contract.
The Giants hope to offset this cost to attract trade interest from contending teams.
Despite some underlying metrics showing a strikeout rate below his usual levels and an elevated walk rate, Ray has been effective lately.
He has posted a 1.67 ERA over his last nine appearances.
He is expected to start the upcoming series opener against the San Diego Padres, likely his last with the Giants.
Trade Interest and Potential Suitors
Former MLB GM Jim Bowden identified Ray as an ideal trade target for the Chicago Cubs due to his solid performance and realistic price tag as a rental player.
Bowden said, "Ray will be a free agent this offseason and would be a solid get for Chicago."
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Ray's tenure with the Giants included 59 starts and a 3.58 ERA.
His career has been marked by ups and downs, including Tommy John surgery in 2023, but he returned to form in 2025 and continues to pitch well in 2026.
Al Yellon of Bleed Cubbie Blue noted Ray's recent strong performances, including six shutout innings against the Angels.
Yellon said, "Ray threw six shutout innings against the Angels Saturday and it looked effortless."
Giants officials are also expected to retain right fielder Jung Hoo Lee, who is signed for three more years.
They may consider trading outfielder Heliot Ramos due to league demand for right-handed bats.
Looking at other teams, the Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners have positions and players with large contracts that could align with Giants players in potential trades.
Bowden highlighted that while complications exist, there are more possible trade partners than expected.
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Bowden said, "It's hard for a contract to be completely untradeable."
