The SF Giants' 2024 trade for Alex Cobb is proving to be a savvy move, as the team reaps the benefits of two promising young players, Jacob Bresnahan and Nate Furman. The trade, which initially seemed like a minor deal, has now become a significant win for the Giants.
The Trade and Its Initial Perception:
The Giants traded starting pitcher Alex Cobb to the Cleveland Guardians at the 2024 MLB trade deadline. At the time, it was seen as a minor move, as Cobb was injured and hadn't pitched for the Giants that year. However, the Giants received two solid prospects in return, Jacob Bresnahan and a player to be named later, who turned out to be Nate Furman.
The Hidden Gem: Nate Furman
Furman, a utility bat, impressed with his numbers last season, although they were in a small sample size. In 36 games across multiple levels, ending the season in Double-A Richmond, Furman slashed .369/.493/.607 with seven home runs and 22 runs batted in. The 24-year-old is a non-roster invitee to spring training, giving him a chance to prove whether his numbers were a fluke or not.
The Promise of Jacob Bresnahan
Bresnahan, a 20-year-old left-handed pitching prospect, was ranked as the No. 11 prospect in San Francisco's system last year. He had a solid season with the San Jose Giants, with a 9-3 record and 2.61 ERA in 22 starts and 93 innings pitched. While he still has much to develop, Bresnahan is a promising arm who could potentially be a part of the rotation in the future.
The Trade's Impact:
Both Furman and Bresnahan are solid young players who have contributed to the Giants' success. If even one of them makes it to the big league level, it will be a savvy move by the Giants' former president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi. Meanwhile, Cobb, who signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, didn't pitch for them due to injury and season-ending hip surgery.
The Future of the Trade:
The Giants have clearly won the Cobb trade at this point. The team has two promising young players in Bresnahan and Furman, who could potentially contribute to the team's success in the future. As for Cobb, his career seems uncertain, with no team signing him this offseason. The Giants' trade for Cobb is a testament to their foresight and ability to identify and develop young talent.
