The San Francisco Giants were on the clock to improve their roster or create future spending flexibility before the MLB trade deadline on Monday, Aug. 3.
They did both.
San Francisco (48-66 entering Wednesday, Aug. 5) spent deadline season reshaping a roster that failed to meet expectations, moving veterans in exchange for younger talent and future upside.
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Whether those moves ultimately pay off will depend on the development of the prospects acquired in those deals.
Here’s a grade for every trade the Giants made before the deadline, along with an overall team grade of C+.
The Giants did right by Luis Arraez and sent him somewhere he could have a chance to make the postseason and even win. Caleb Kilian was also shipped to Philadelphia. In return, San Francisco got building blocks to develop a bullpen. Ramon Marquez is only 20 years old, while Marty Gair just turned 23 in July.
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They can get acclimated within the Giants system as they develop their game. If they become key players down the line, this trade would be a surefire success, especially considering Arraez was only signed on a one-year deal.
Marquez quickly blossomed into one of the best pitching prospects in the Phillies system, according to MLB.com, and he’s the highest-rated prospect coming to the organization from the trade deadline deals. That type of potential has to make the Giants excited for what could be.
As for Gair, he has put up a 4.50 ERA in 30 relief appearances between Single-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore in 2026.
Robbie Ray to Padres for RHP Miguel Mendez and SS Joniel Hernandez
Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray pitches against the Angels during the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on July 25, 2026.
Once the Giants knew they were dealing Robbie Ray, they needed to replace him with potential.
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Miguel Mendez is a 24-year-old, right-handed pitcher who can throw heaters. His fastball velocity is rapid. His four-seamer sits between 95-99 mph and touches 101 mph at times. An underrated pitch is his slider, which comes in near the mid-80s. When followed by his fastballs, he gets right-handed batters to swing late.
Joniel Hernandez is a shortstop from Cuba with some offensive potential. He’s a slugger with lots of bat speed and easy power. And he’s only 17 years old. He stands at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, and still hasn’t put on his grown man strength yet.
The Giants sent outfielder Heliot Ramos across the country to play in the Bronxcfor the Yankees. In return, the Giants received left-handed pitcher Henry Lalane and shortstop Kaeden Kent.
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The 6-foot-7 Lalane becomes the Giants’ No. 9 prospect, and he is said to be fully healthy coming off shoulder surgery. Last year his fastball sat around 91-92 mph, but this year it has hovered around 94 and topped out at 98. Additionally, he has a changeup that gets around low-80s with fade and depth, but he throws it for strikes. Other pitches include a mid-70s slurve to a 78-82 mph sweeper.
Kent’s dad, Jeff Kent, was just enshrined in Cooperstown at the Baseball Hall of Fame as a San Francisco Giant. The MLB scouting report says Kent has the same profile as an offensive-minded infielder who fits best at second base, despite playing shortstop.
Overall, his best attributes are his high baseball IQ, quality left-handed swing and tendency for making line-drive contact. It’s a full-circle moment that will be a story to come if he pans out to have any similar contribution as his pops.
Red Sox shortstop Marcelo Mayer doubles in fifth inning against the Rockies at Coors Field in Denver on June 24, 2026.
For the second consecutive year, the Giants do business with the Boston Red Sox. In 2025, they acquired Rafael Devers. They spun the block in 2026, receiving infielder Marcelo Mayer after sending left-handed pitcher Erik Miller to Boston.
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Mayer was the top prospect in 2023, so San Francisco landing him is a big win for its development. According to MLB.com, the consensus among many scouts was that Mayer was both the best hitter and best defender in his draft class. The baseball comparison he was given was a combination of Corey Seager‘s bat and Brandon Crawford‘s glove. That’s high praise. If Mayer can be that then the Giants got a steal.
The Giants swapped right-handed pitchers with the Atlanta Braves as they sent Tyler Mahle to the South and in return received Anthony Molina, who they immediately assigned to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats.
Molina, 24, is an interesting study. There’s not too much of a “wow” factor, but he does show promise with his fastball, which sat around 94 mph last year and touched as high as 97. He could just be a shoo-in to the Giants bullpen in years to come, and maybe even a starter. But right now, Molina has to make it out the minor league and back to The Show.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Trade grades: Giants tore up their roster, but did they get enough back?
