The San Francisco Giants are expected to be sellers at the MLB trade deadline. Several veterans could be on the move.

Luis Arraez and Robbie Ray remain the most obvious trade candidates. Both can become free agents after the 2026 season. If the Giants want to maximize their value, this may be the ideal time to move them.

The situation is different for Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, and Rafael Devers. All three are signed to long-term contracts. That makes potential trades much more complicated.

Even so, the Giants reportedly would like to move at least some of those expensive deals if the right opportunity presents itself.

Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan from ESPN recently evaluated the top trade candidates around MLB. They assigned Chapman a 25% chance of being traded before the deadline.

That percentage may not appear especially high. However, it is much greater than the likelihood of either Adames or Devers being moved.

The biggest reason is simple. Chapman’s defense continues to separate him from the other two veterans. Passan and McDaniel explained why.

Very few teams are expected to take on the remaining $211 million owed to Devers after this season. For that to happen, the Giants would likely have to pay down a significant portion of the contract.

They also might have to accept undesirable contracts in return. Adames presents a different challenge. His defensive play has declined. That has reduced his trade value despite his age.

Chapman still provides elite defense at third base. That changes the conversation. His glove helps offset his contract. It also makes him a much more attractive option for contenders looking to improve their infield.

“Nobody is taking Rafael Devers unless San Francisco pays down significantly the $211 million he is owed after this season or takes on bad contracts,” Passan and McDaniel wrote.

“The same goes for Willy Adames, whose defense has gone in the wrong direction. Chapman’s glove salvages his value and puts him at least in play.”

All three players are owed significant money. Devers still has $211 million remaining after this season. Adames is only in the second year of his seven-year, $182 million contract. Chapman is signed through 2030 on a six-year, $151 million deal.

Chapman is also the oldest of the three at 33 years old. That has not hurt his trade value. His contract is smaller. It also carries fewer years of commitment. His defense remains among the best in baseball. Those factors work in his favor.

Chapman is currently on the Injured List with abdominal muscle strain. His stats have also limited his value this season. Chapman is hitting .235 with seven home runs, 42 RBIs and a .692 OPS in 84 games this season.

Those factors help explain why Passan and McDaniel estimated only a 25% chance of a trade. Still, his outlook is much stronger than that of Devers or Adames.

If the Giants move one of their expensive infielders, Chapman appears to be the most realistic option. His defensive ability matters. His contract is easier to absorb. His overall profile fits what contenders typically seek at the trade deadline.

Chapman’s value extends well beyond his offense. He remains one of MLB’s premier defensive third basemen. His instincts stand out. So do his reactions and anticipation. He consistently turns difficult plays into routine outs.

Teams also value his baseball IQ. His preparation has earned praise throughout his career. Chapman brings leadership to the clubhouse. He leads by example every day.

His postseason experience is another asset. He understands the demands of meaningful baseball. He also provides stability to the infield.

Those qualities are difficult to replace. That is why Chapman remains the Giants’ most realistic veteran trade candidate despite his injury and modest offensive production.

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