Reds trade Leake to Giants for top pitching prospect Mella

Tap here to access our MLB Trade Tracker, which includes all trades and rumors leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.

The San Francisco Giants are officially buyers at this year's non-waiver trade deadline as they seek a fourth World Series title in six years.

San Francisco acquired right-hander Mike Leake from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitching prospect Keury Mella and first baseman Adam Duvall, the clubs announced.

Leake, who will be a free agent at season's end, has posted a 4-1 record with a microscopic 1.25 ERA in five July starts. The sinkerballer should continue to thrive as he makes the transition back to his home state and to pitcher-friendly AT&T Park.

The acquisition of Leake adds depth to a veteran Giants rotation, which already consists of Madison Bumgarner, Tim Hudson, Chris Heston, Matt Cain, and Jake Peavy.

Leake will replace Hudson in the Giants' starting rotation, general manager Bobby Evans confirmed.

"Hudson ultimately wants to see the club excel and will do whatever it takes to make sure that happens in whatever role," Evans said.

Evans added that Leake would have been a target for the Giants in free agency this coming winter, and having him in the organization will give San Francisco an advantage in keeping him in the Bay Area.

Mella, 21, is considered the top prospect in the Giants' system, and has a 3.31 ERA, 3.72 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP in 81 2/3 innings in High-A this season, striking out 9.15 per nine innings.

Duvall's 26 and played 28 games for the Giants last year, hitting .192/.234/.342 with three home runs and five RBIs.