Giants draw trade deadline line on Jung Hoo Lee, open to moving Heliot Ramos

The San Francisco Giants appear ready to sell before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, but their disappointing season will not lead to a complete teardown.
Jung Hoo Lee is among the players expected to remain in San Francisco, while fellow outfielder Heliot Ramos could be moved, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
“The San Francisco Giants are telling teams that right fielder Jung Hoo Lee is staying, but they will move left fielder Heliot Ramos,” Nightengale wrote.
The distinction offers an early look at how the Giants are separating potential building blocks from players they are willing to use to reshape the roster.
Lee, 27, is having his best season since joining San Francisco on a six-year, $113 million contract. He is batting .302 with six home runs, 37 RBIs, 51 runs and six stolen bases through 96 games. His low strikeout rate and ability to contribute defensively have made him one of the few dependable pieces in an otherwise uneven lineup.
He showed that value Saturday by collecting two hits, including a three-run homer, and making multiple strong defensive plays during a 9-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
“He put on a show for the fans today, really all facets of the game,” manager Tony Vitello said.
Lee was removed after being hit near the elbow later in the game and did not start Sunday.
Ramos, meanwhile, is batting .262 with nine home runs, 31 RBIs and a .737 OPS. At 26, he is young enough to remain part of the Giants’ future, but San Francisco appears willing to move him for a return that better fits its long-term plans.
Lee reportedly joins top prospect Bryce Eldridge and starting pitcher Logan Webb among the players considered unlikely to be dealt. The Giants may listen on most of the remaining roster, including veterans who could help contenders over the final two months.
That leaves the front office facing a delicate assignment. San Francisco is 44-60, fourth in the National League West and far removed from the postseason race, making it difficult to justify standing pat.
At the same time, the organization does not appear interested in stripping the roster down completely.
For now, the clearest indication of the Giants’ deadline strategy is in the outfield: Lee is staying, while Ramos can be had.