For Major League teams hoping to find a third baseman at the trade deadline, the Giants’ Eduardo Nunez continues to make his case that he belongs on a contender.
And for a San Francisco team potentially hoping to trade a Major League asset for prospects that can help replenish their farm system, Nunez is almost certain to be their top trade chip.
On Friday, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that of all the Giants’ players on the market this summer, Nunez is drawing the most interest.
Among Giants players, Eduardo Nunez drawing the most attention, b/c of versatility, athleticism
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 21, 2017
After lining two singles in five at-bats against the Padres on Thursday evening, including one in the late innings off of Padres’ set-up man Brad Hand, Nunez’s batting average climbed to .300.
Though pitchers like Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija have both had their names tossed around in trade rumors in recent weeks, Nunez can help a contending roster and a team that trades for him won’t have to deal with the burden of a large contract, because Nunez will be a free agent after the season.
Nunez has started at third base for the Giants this season, but actually has played more games at shortstop in his career than at any other position. For the Giants, Nunez has appeared in both corner outfield spots and at second base, and his bat plays anywhere.
Even though Nunez has dealt with a hamstring issue since the middle of June, the trade market is heating up and he might be the top third baseman on the market at this point after the White Sox dealt Todd Frazier to the Yankees. According to reports, the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians are both interested in Nunez’s services.