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Who could the Giants trade before the deadline?

Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants are open for business.

Vice president of baseball operations Brian Sabean made that declaration this week as his team emerged from the All-Star break with the second-worst record in the majors.

While it's safe to assume the likes of Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, and Brandon Crawford will remain in the Bay Area, there are a number of other players the Giants could look to move prior to the non-waiver trade deadline.

Here's who to keep an eye on as July 31 approaches.

Denard Span

Span continues to be a solid everyday center fielder and a capable leadoff hitter. The 33-year-old doesn't steal bases like he used to (just four this season), but he's hitting .284/.336/.444 with six home runs, 15 doubles, and four triples in 65 games. Under contract for $11 million next season, and with a $12-million team option (including a $4-million buyout) for 2019, Span would come relatively cheap considering the value he brings.

Potential fits: Twins, Blue Jays, Brewers, Nationals

Johnny Cueto

Cueto is an intriguing name heading into the deadline due to his opt-out clause. The right-hander is reportedly expected to forfeit the remaining five years and more than $87 million of his contract, likely making him a rental. That could be an issue for prospective teams, and they'll likely require a guarantee of Cueto's future plans before determining what assets to surrender in a trade. While his numbers are down this season (4.51 ERA, 1.37 WHIP), he could benefit from a change of scenery while also using his next payday as further motivation.

Potential fits: Orioles, Indians, Astros, Royals, Twins, Yankees, Cubs, Brewers

Mark Melancon

Melancon's first year in San Francisco hasn't exactly gone as planned. Reports about him not fitting in with teammates, his struggles on the mound, and his injury issues could lead the Giants to shop their closer. Melancon may be a difficult sell, however, given his salary (owed $53 million over the next three seasons) and concerns about his elbow. The three-time All-Star is expected to start throwing soon, and if healthy could be used as trade bait for teams hoping to add a top-tier reliever.

Potential fits: Rangers, Nationals

Eduardo Nunez

Nunez could fill a bunch of holes for potential suitors due to his ability to play multiple positions (right field, left field, shortstop, third base, second base). The impending free agent is hitting .299/.323/.413 with four home runs, 17 doubles, and 17 stolen bases. Nunez is currently on the disabled list with hamstring inflammation, but is expected to be activated this weekend.

Potential fits: Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees, Pirates, Cardinals, Indians

Brandon Belt

Coming off the first All-Star season of his career, Belt's average and on-base percentage have both decreased significantly this season, though he's compensated with a surge in power. The 29-year-old is hitting .243/.349/.470 with 16 homers (two away from his career high) in 87 games. While he could be dealt, teams might also be weary of taking on his contract - Belt is owed more than $70 million through the 2021 season - and the Giants could see more value in keeping him as they look to compete next season.

Potential fits: Yankees, Angels, Mariners, Cardinals

Jeff Samardzija

Samardzija has pitched better than his 4-10 record and 4.58 ERA would indicate. The right-hander owns a 1.15 WHIP and a career-high 9.07 strikeout-to-walk rate over 118 innings, and he could be a valuable middle-of-the-rotation arm for a team looking for a controllable pitcher. Samardzija, who's owed $19.8 million for each of the next three seasons, has averaged 212 innings over the last four campaigns, and is on pace to reach the 200-inning threshold once again this year. While there should be a market for his services, Samardzija's 21-team no-trade list could prove to be an obstacle.

Potential fits: Astros, Twins, Yankees, Cubs, Brewers

(Photos courtesy: Action images)

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