The San Francisco Giants trading ace left-hander Madison Bumgarner this offseason is reportedly becoming less and less likely, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, who added that a potential deal still shouldn't be ruled out.

If the Giants are out of contention by midseason, though, the likelihood of a trade would increase, Feinsand notes.

Entering the final year of his contract, Bumgarner will reach free agency next winter. If dealt midseason, the 29-year-old would be unable to receive a qualifying offer, and he therefore wouldn't be tied to draft-pick compensation.

After six consecutive seasons eclipsing the 200-inning plateau from 2011 to 2016, Bumgarner has run into injury trouble over the past two years, failing to throw 130 frames in either campaign. In 21 starts during the 2018 season, the four-time All-Star posted a 3.26 ERA and 3.99 FIP.

The Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves were recently rumored as potential suitors for the three-time World Series champion.

The Giants are possibly entering a transitional phase after parting ways with general manager Bobby Evans last September and poaching Farhan Zaidi from the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers to replace him.