Ask the Giants three years ago, and it’s safe to say the thought of trading Madison Bumgarner, their postseason hero, was laughable. He’d just solidified himself as one of the greatest pitchers in World Series history, giving up only one run in 36 innings over five appearances in three Fall Classics from 2010-2014 for a 0.25 ERA, the lowest in World Series history.

However, with the memory of their three championships overshadowed by 98 losses last season, the question of whether the Giants should trade Bumgarner is starting to be asked.

Although for the time being the Giants are looking to keep their ace in their uniform for at least the remainder of his contract, Andrew Baggarly told Tolbert & Lund on Friday afternoon that how the team bounces back from its disastrous season will dictate Bumgarner’s future in San Francisco.

“I’d say right now their thought process is no, but it depends on how bad they look,” Baggarly said. “If it really is just a repeat of last year by the All-Star break and you’re looking at trading a year and a half of controllable Madison Bumgarner, do you want give the guy a $250 million extension when you realize how far you have to go as an organization? Or do you try trade him like a Chris Sale and get a whole lot of prospects and try to bump up your system?”

After stumbling out of 2016 with a 30-42 showing in the second half, the Giants’ downward trend continued through last season. Not only did they never spend a day in first place or possess a winning record at any point in the season, but the Giants finished 40 games behind the NL West division champions Los Angeles Dodgers.

Following their blown save on Opening Day, the Giants puttered to a 9-17 record out of the gate. Their losses outnumber their wins by roughly five each month from May through September and the Giants finished the year 64-98, their closest to a 100-loss season since 1985.

Around this time last year, the Boston Red Sox dropped jaws throughout baseball when they finalized a trade with the Chicago White Sox for Chris Sale, immediately making them favorites to win the AL East. In return, the White Sox stocked their farm system with prospects Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe, and Victor Diaz.

If worse comes to worst, the Giants could add to their minor leagues by trading Bumgarner, who is “the biggest piece they have” according to Baggarly.

“They don’t want to think about it right now, but down the road I think that’s going to be a really interesting question if they’re in that situation,” Baggarly said.

To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and skip to from 11:02 for Baggarly on Bumgarner.