Giants trade Matt Moore to Rangers

The Giants have traded left-hander Matt Moore to the Rangers, a source confirmed to SB Nation on Friday night. Right-handers Sam Wolff and Israel Cruz are headed San Francisco in the deal, while Texas will receive international slot money in addition to Moore.

Moore, 28, was expected to be a key part of the Giants’ rotation in 2018 after the club picked up their $9 million club option for him after the season. Instead, the southpaw will join newcomers Mike Minor and Doug Fister behind Cole Hamels and Martin Perez in the Rangers’ rotation.

Moore struggled in 2017, owning a 5.52 ERA and 1.532 WHIP in 174.1 innings in his first season in San Francisco. The ex-Ray will be under Texas’ control through the 2019 season, as his contract calls for a $10 million team option at the end of this year.

San Francisco’s trade of Moore suggests the club is looking to clear payroll, meaning a major free-agent addition could be coming soon. The Giants have been linked to Jay Bruce and J.D. Martinez already this winter.

Wolff, 26, was Texas’ sixth-round pick in 2013. He had success as a reliever for Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock last year, posting a 2.93 ERA in 43 combined innings. He will miss the first half of next season due to a flexor tendon injury and was not among MLB Pipeline’s top 30 Rangers prospects at last check.

Cruz, 20, pitched to a 5.91 ERA in 32 innings for the Rangers’ Arizona League affiliate this season. He was signed out of Venezuela in 2014.