The San Francisco Giants were said to be sellers leading up to the MLB trade deadline and the first domino has fallen. The Giants dealt veteran right-hand pitcher Tyler Mahle to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for another right-hand pitcher Anthony Molina. The trade was first reported by Fansided MLB insider Robert Murray. Molina will continue to develop as he was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento, the Giants said. The trade comes less than 24 hours until the MLB trade deadline as the cutoff point is Aug. Mahle, 31, leaves the Bay for the A, joining a first-place Braves squad. Overall, Atlanta (67-45) has the third-best record in the National League, sitting 2.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers. Mahle signed a one-year, $10 million deal with San Francisco in the offseason, with hopes of bolstering their bullpen. As the Giants' season took loss a…

Overall, San Francisco has the third-worst record in the NL and the second-worst in the NL West. The move appears to save the Giants some money as they now take on Molina's expiring contract worth $780,000. The trade for the Giants is clearly a move that looks ahead to the future. It appears the team's front office is opting to focus on 2027, or 2028 in case there's a lockout year. Moving off of Mahle's $10 million contract in exchange for $780,000 could save them money in the long run, setting up a contract for ready-now players with an ability to contribute immediately. Plus, Molina will be in the Giants' farm system as he was sent down to the Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats. The Giants haven't been good all year. Ideally, trading for better players would seem more favorable, but with the postseason just about out of reach, looking ahead to the future…