In a major move signaling the start of the 2023 MLB offseason, the Giants have pulled off a significant trade. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, San Francisco has acquired seasoned left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray from the Seattle Mariners, parting ways with outfielder Mitch Haniger and starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani.
The official announcement by the Giants confirmed the trade, revealing that cash considerations would also be sent to the Mariners as part of the deal. Giants president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi, shared in a post-trade conference call that they would be sending $6 million to Seattle to balance out the financial aspects for both teams.
BREAKING: The San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners are in agreement on a trade that will send former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray to the Giants for outfielder Mitch Haniger and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 5, 2024
Ray, 32, faced a setback in the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair on his left elbow in May. However, his 2022 performance with the Mariners showcased a 12-12 record, a 3.71 ERA, and an impressive 212 strikeouts in 189 innings pitched. Ray is expected to continue his rehab and return around the midway point of the 2024 season.
Having clinched the AL Cy Young Award in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Ray secured a lucrative five-year, $115 million contract with the Mariners in December 2021. His current contract involves owed amounts of $23 million in 2024 and $25 million in 2025 and 2026, with an option to opt-out after the upcoming season.
As part of the trade, Haniger, who struggled with injuries in his first season with the Giants, will return to the Mariners alongside outfielder Michael Conforto. Haniger"s stint with San Francisco saw him batting .209/.266/.365 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 61 games.
DeSclafani, a key starting pitcher for the Giants during their impressive 107-win 2021 campaign, faced challenges in the subsequent seasons due to injuries. His 2022 and 2023 were marred by ankle and elbow injuries, limiting him to just 24 games pitched.
While Ray"s addition could bolster the Giants" starting pitching depth later in the season, the absences of Ray and veteran righty Alex Cobb until midway through the season might prompt the team to seek further additions alongside ace Logan Webb this offseason.
