San Francisco Giants Rumors: Interest in 3B Maikel Franco

During the Winter Meetings, San Francisco Giants rumors surfaced, showing interest in third baseman Maikel Franco from the Philadelphia Phillies.

According to the latest San Francisco Giants rumors, a trade may help solve their need at the hot corner. Per a report by Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Giants expressed interest in third baseman Maikel Franco of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rather than spend big bucks to sign free agents Mike Moustakas or Todd Frazier, the Giants can go this route and land a more affordable option. Since they are attempting to lower the payroll, it would make sense to target a cheaper player and use those savings to land a power-hitting outfielder.

The Giants have already made one big move this offseason. Somewhat unexpected, they traded starting pitcher Matt Moore to the Texas Rangers. This helped clear some room for “buyer’s moves” such as finding a slugger they so desire.

Franco wouldn’t solve their need for a pure clean-up hitter, but he would give them a nice boost in the power department. Despite trending downward over the past two seasons, Franco’s home run hitting abilities have remained consistent. He hit 25 home runs in 2016 and another 24 in 2017.

Of course, last year’s unforgiving .230/.281/.409 batting line doesn’t do him any favors. Place Franco in a more pitcher-friendly atmosphere like AT&T Park in San Francisco; those numbers may decline further.

The Phillies seem to have soured on Franco. Playing time could become more scarce with the arrival of J.P. Crawford to the everyday lineup and the possible promotion for Scott Kingery.

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With Cesar Hernandez manning second base and Carlos Santana taking the load at first base, Franco may need to concede innings to others in 2018. That’s if he stays in Philadelphia.

The Giants don’t have too many great internal options at third base. If the season opened today, Pablo Sandoval would get the start. For a team hoping to contend, not upgrading the position is unjust.

As far as a trade with Philadelphia would go, the Giants may not need to pay much to acquire Franco. As I said, he’s no longer the prized possession.

With the Phillies possibly in pursuit of Manny Machado next offseason anyway, they could ultimately lose any interest they have in Franco over the next 365 days.

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The most prominent roadblock the Giants have in an attempt to pry Franco away is the upside he carries. Franco did put together an excellent half-season in his rookie year, the most significant factor in keeping Franco around.

Not to mention, he hit more home runs than anyone else on the Phillies or Giants last year. Production like this, even with its weaknesses, has a place in the lineup. Here’s hoping these San Francisco Giants rumors come to fruition.