Robbie Ray's latest dominant start came as a report indicated the San Francisco Giants could absorb part of his remaining salary to increase their return.
Robbie Ray's performance on Thursday may have been more than another quality outing. It may have been a final showcase before the Trade Deadline.
According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, the San Francisco Giants are open to covering a portion of the approximately $8 million remaining on Ray's 2026 salary if it helps improve the prospect package they receive in a potential trade.
With San Francisco sitting well out of postseason contention, the organization appears focused on maximizing the value of one of its most attractive deadline assets.
The report came on the same night Ray delivered another dominant performance, throwing six innings of one-run baseball in the Giants' 4-1 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The veteran allowed four hits, walked one and struck out six while continuing one of the best stretches of his season.
Stock continues to rise
Ray has steadily strengthened his trade value over the past two months.
The left-hander is now 7-0 with a 1.65 ERA across his last 10 appearances, including nine starts. He has consistently worked deep into games while providing the type of veteran stability contenders seek during the stretch run.
His overall numbers have also placed him among the National League's most effective starters. Through 22 appearances this season, Ray owns a 3.08 ERA after making adjustments to his pitch mix that helped him regain the form that once earned him a Cy Young Award.
Because he is playing on an expiring contract, Ray has become one of the Giants' most logical trade candidates. If San Francisco follows through on Passan's report and assumes part of his remaining salary, the club could attract additional bidders while increasing its chances of landing a stronger prospect return.
A successful gamble
The Giants acquired Ray from the Seattle Mariners before the 2024 season despite the veteran recovering from Tommy John surgery.
After returning late in 2024, Ray re-established himself as a frontline starter in 2025, earning an All-Star selection while forming one of the National League's top pitching duos alongside Logan Webb. He has maintained that level of production throughout 2026, making him one of the top rental starters available before Monday's deadline.
Susac backs Ray with big night
While trade speculation surrounded Ray, the Giants received plenty of offensive support.
Rookie catcher Daniel Susac continued his recent power surge with a two-run home run in the second inning before adding another RBI on a sacrifice fly later in the game. Rafael Devers also contributed an early sacrifice fly after narrowly missing a home run on a deep drive to right-center.
As the deadline draws closer, Thursday's victory may ultimately be remembered less for the final score and more as another reminder of Ray's value. If the Giants are indeed willing to absorb salary, as Passan reported, they could put themselves in position to secure a significantly stronger return for one of the market's top available starters.
