The 2024 MLB trade deadline is almost here. With just over a week to go until the July 30th deadline, the San Francisco Giants are going to be an interesting team to watch.

At this point in time, no one truly knows what the Giants are going to do. They could look to buy talent and try to compete for a spot in the postseason. On the other hand, they might opt to sell talent and focus on trying to rebuild for the future.

Honestly, even if they acquire a piece or two, San Francisco is not going to be a serious contender.

While selling is always a painful process, that is the best course of action for the Giants. They have quite a few pieces that would draw good value from contenders.

All of that being said, let’s take a look at three players San Francisco should move before the deadline.

Blake Snell, Starting Pitcher

The 2024 season has not gone as planned for Snell. Injuries have completely derailed his year, but his last two starts have raised his trade value quite a bit.

Over his last two outings, Snell has pitched 12 scoreless innings to go along with just two hits, three walks, and 11 strikeouts. There are a lot of teams around the league searching for starting pitching. Snell would be one of the most valuable names on the market if the Giants make him available.

Matt Chapman, Third Base

Another intriguing trade candidate would be Chapman. The veteran third baseman would also be an interesting target for contenders looking to beef up their lineup.

Chapman has played in 96 games this season for San Francisco, batting .234/.320/.409 to go along with 13 home runs and 43 RBI. His numbers haven’t been amazing, but he has much bigger offensive ability than he has shown so far. Moving on from Chapman now would make sense if the offer is right.

Camilo Doval, Relief Pitcher

Doval has already been a very popular name in trade rumors leading up to the deadline. Teams around the league are looking for quality relief pitching and many need closers as well.

The 27-year-old reliever has not had the best season of his career, but he has been solid. He has appeared in 39 games, compiling a 3-1 record to go along with a 4.38 ERA, a 1.62 WHIP, a 2.0 K/BB ratio, 17 saves, and four blown saves. With so many teams needing relievers, Doval could command a decent price for the Giants.

The future of urban transportation is here, and it’s taking the form of sleek, autonomous vehicles traveling through city streets. Across the United States, self-driving car companies are racing to revolutionize how we move, promising safer roads, reduced traffic and a new era of mobility. But it’s in San Francisco that this future is suddenly now a reality for thousands.

Waymo, the Google-owned autonomous vehicle pioneer, is available to everyone in the city by the bay. Imagine cruising through the iconic streets of San Francisco without worrying about parking, navigating steep hills or designating a driver after a night out. 

That’s the promise Waymo is offering. But what does this sudden availability of autonomous rides mean for daily commutes, weekend plans and the very fabric of urban life in one of America’s most dynamic cities?

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No more waiting in line: Waymo opens its doors to everyone

Remember when you needed an exclusive invite to ride in a Waymo? Well, those days are now in the rearview mirror. Now, anyone in San Francisco can hail a driverless Waymo ride. Just download the app, and you’re good to go. But here’s the thing. Nearly 300,000 people — that’s more than a quarter of San Francisco’s population — had already signed up on Waymo’s waiting list. Talk about pent-up demand. It seems like everyone wanted to try out the self-driving robotaxi service.

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Waymo app and autonomous vehicle  (Waymo)

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More than just a ride: The impact on San Francisco

Waymo isn’t just changing how people get around. It’s potentially reshaping the city’s social and economic landscape. Did you know that about 30% of Waymo rides in San Francisco are to local businesses? That’s a potential boost for the local economy right there.

And get this. Over half of Waymo riders surveyed said they’ve used the service for medical appointments. Plus, 36% use it to connect to other forms of transit like BART or Muni. It’s not just a taxi service; it’s becoming an integral part of the city’s transportation ecosystem.

Oh, and for the eco-conscious among us, here’s a fun fact. Waymo’s fleet is all-electric and uses 100% renewable energy from the city’s CleanPowerSF program. It claims to have helped curb carbon emissions by an estimated 570,000 kilograms since August 2023.

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Waymo autonomous vehicle at EV charging station  (Waymo)

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Not just a San Francisco thing

Waymo isn’t just cruising the famously steep hills of San Francisco. It’s also got wheels on the ground in the sunny streets of Los Angeles and the desert landscapes of Phoenix. And guess what? Austin, Texas, you’re next on the list. Looks like the robotaxi revolution is spreading faster than you can say “autonomous vehicle.”

Waymo autonomous vehicle on the streets of San Francisco  (Waymo)

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Safety first: Waymo’s bold claims

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Is it safe?” Well, Waymo sure thinks so. It boasts about its “unparalleled” safety record, claiming it’s even safer than human drivers. With over 20 million miles logged since 2009, it’s got some serious road cred.

But it’s not just talk. Waymo cites statistics suggesting its driverless cars are safer than human-operated vehicles. It claims to have been involved in 17 fewer crashes with injuries and 12 fewer police-reportable crashes compared to human drivers over 3.8-plus million rider-only miles in San Francisco.

Waymo autonomous vehicle  (Waymo)

But hold on, It’s not all smooth driving

Before you get too excited and toss your driver’s license in the shredder, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Waymo. It’s looking into 22 incidents involving the self-driving tech. We’re talking about collisions with objects, parked cars and some traffic control hiccups. Yikes.

The NHTSA’s probe covers 444 of Waymo’s vehicles. That’s a lot of robots under the microscope. It’s a reminder that even as we race toward a driverless future, there are still some speed bumps to overcome.

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Waymo app and autonomous vehicle (Waymo)

The big picture: Robotaxis taking over?

It’s not just Waymo in the spotlight. Other companies like Zoox, owned by Amazon, are also under the NHTSA’s microscope. Even big names like Ford and Tesla are feeling the heat as autonomous technology becomes more widespread. Meanwhile, GM’s Cruise is planning a comeback after suspending its service due to safety concerns.

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Waymo autonomous vehicle  (Waymo)

Kurt’s key takeaways

On one hand, the idea of hopping into a car without a driver could mean safer roads, less traffic and more accessibility for those who can’t drive. But, on the other hand, are we ready to trust our lives to algorithms and sensors? The NHTSA investigation shows there are still kinks to work out. And let’s not forget the potential impact on jobs in the transportation sector. It’s not just about cool tech; it’s about how it affects real people’s livelihoods. One thing’s for sure. The future of getting from point A to point B is changing rapidly. Whether you’re excited or skeptical, it looks like robotaxis are here to stay.

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