Lack of top prospects may not deter Giants

EVEN Giants GM Bobby Evans concedes that with his prospects, “the breadth, depth and quality is solid, but the [industry] view is we are lacking on the higher end and, therefore, that can have an impact on your trade options.”

Additionally, Evans knows his payroll already is projected close to the luxury-tax threshold of $197 million in 2018 “and we would prefer not to go over it for the fourth straight year.”

Nevertheless, for a variety of reasons, the Giants are still seen as a real player to land Giancarlo Stanton, who is owed $295 million over the next 10 seasons, in a trade with the Marlins. Notably, Stanton has a full no-trade clause and it is believed he prefers to return to his native southern California and, if not, San Francisco would get him the closest over other potential landing spots such as Boston, Philadelphia and St. Louis.

In addition, Evans indicated the club has no provision set up by which it refuses to exceed the threshold. Plus, a competing GM said, “If I were betting, I’d bet on San Francisco because the most stuff lines up with them. They might not have great prospects, but their history has shown a willingness to move prospects to get what they want and I think they may have less restrictions on what they are willing to give up than other teams.” The Angels, Red Sox and Mariners — among the teams that are at least inquiring on all available first basemen — checked in on free agent Lucas Duda.

From 2012-16, Chris Tillman was 65-33 with a 3.81 ERA. In an injury-marred 2017, the righty was 1-7 with a 7.84 ERA — the worst ERA for any pitcher in history that made at least 19 starts. Tillman is looking to sign a one-year contract, pitch more like 2012-16 and then go back out on the market after next season.