The MLB trade deadline is just over 24 hours away, and the San Francisco Giants could be major players, potentially in both directions. Carlos Rodón could be the best starting pitcher available if the Giants decide to move him, which is a very real possibility. The Reds got a major haul for ace starter Luis Castillo, who is under club control through 2023, and it makes sense for the SF Giants to try to get somewhat similar value for Rodón. He will cost less, given he has an opt-out after the season which makes him essentially a rental, but there is a limited supply of starting pitchers and a huge demand. Given the Giants' position in the standings, they should probably trade him.

Reports are that the Giants want major-league-ready talent in return. Some teams that make sense include the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners. But realistically, any team with playoff aspirations will want Rodón. As he showed last night, he's capable of taking over a baseball game on any given night. That would absolutely play in October, which suggests that the Giants may be able to do well in a trade. Since the San Francisco Giants are still in the playoff race, and since they could give Rodón the qualifying offer and receive draft compensation if he ends up signing elsewhere (which is likely), the Giants can demand a hefty return that justifies punting on their season and sacrificing a second-round-type talent.

In other news, the Giants had a powerful and thrilling number retirement for Will Clark. Clark's speech and all of the festivities were a good reminder that this Giants team needs more passion and fire. They need an everyday position player to bring excitement back to the ballpark. It was a beautiful ceremony for a more than deserving player. Well done all the way around. Also, Thairo Estrada was hit in the head by a pitch and put on the concussion IL. The Giants made a minor trade for Dixon Machado to fill in at short in the interim as Estrada and Brandon Crawford heal up.

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The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

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