SAN FRANCISCO
Buster Posey was quick to respond when asked about the possibility of trading Logan Webb last month.
“No,” was the straightforward answer from Posey, now a Giants executive and former teammate of Webb.
This declaration came during a time when Webb was enjoying a notable June, but the sentiment holds even after some struggles in July.
Trading a player like Webb, known for his reliability and durability, seems out of the question. A couple of rough outings shouldn’t overshadow his overall performance, especially considering he’s made 148 starts since 2022.
His latest struggles amounted to just three tough innings in a challenging pitching environment. A game that seemed unlucky, alongside six solid innings where he only allowed one hit.
After a tough outing, manager Tony Vitello conveyed his frustration, noting that the stats didn’t reflect Webb’s actual effort. “The first thing I thought when I got back to my locker was, ‘I hate him,’” he said.
Webb allowed five challenging runs in the first inning during his recent start, and despite the result, Vitello was focused on Webb’s persistence. “He was determined to get back there and finish the seventh inning,” he remarked.
This might seem odd given the loss, but failing to perform on one pitch isn’t the end of the world. One mistake—a sinker that barely caught the top of the right-field wall—cost him dearly with a grand slam.
Even after the disappointing outcome, Webb’s performance displayed flashes of brilliance, reminiscent of his recent accolades. He downplayed his own results by saying, “It wasn’t very good.” Still, he recognized the situation as one where bad luck played a role.
With a penchant for early struggles, Webb’s ERA is a telling 5.25 in the first three innings versus 2.58 after the fourth. His recent dips mean he’ll head into the All-Star Game with the highest ERA among National League pitchers, though some of his peers are close.
Interestingly, Webb has announced plans to retire at the season’s end and expressed admiration for Justin Verlander, who made a mark last year but is currently inactive.
Despite a brief partnership on the team, Webb and Verlander remain in touch, and Webb mentioned how he wasn’t surprised by the jump to retirement.
Now dealing with a hamstring issue and having a challenging record this season, Verlander’s presence in Philadelphia signifies a celebration of his impactful career, an atmosphere Webb joined through his All-Star selection, noted even before his recent struggles.
Ultimately, Webb needs only to point to his accomplishments, including his stellar performance in the Division Series a few seasons ago.
As the only consistent player during a five-season playoff drought, his value transcends potential trade benefits. He could attract significant interest from teams looking to rebuild, yet his role as a franchise leader seems to outweigh any financial gain from a deal.
“There’s no one more diligent or talented on the staff,” Vitello commented on Webb. He noted Webb’s intelligence and ability to mentor, highlighting his contribution far beyond his pitching.
