SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- At the beginning of the offseason, there was some question as to whether Madison Bumgarner would still be wearing a Giants uniform once Spring Training rolled around.
During his introductory press conference at Oracle Park in November, new president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi didn't rule out the possibility of trading the franchise ace, sparking a winter of trade rumors.
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Despite the speculation, Bumgarner arrived at Scottsdale Stadium on Tuesday as Giants pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training. He's still on track to be the club's starter on Opening Day, though his future in San Francisco remains murky as he prepares to enter his final season before free agency.
"Obviously, this is where I came up, and I've been through a lot here," Bumgarner said. "A lot of good times and a few bad times also, but obviously I would love to stay here. If that happens or not, I don't know. Some parts are in my control, some parts aren't. Right now, I'm just focused on getting this year started and getting back to the postseason. That's it."
Bumgarner, Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval are the only remaining members of the roster with three World Series rings, and Bumgarner remains hungry for more. Like many of his teammates, Bumgarner expressed excitement about the Giants' pursuit of Bryce Harper, who he said would be a "great addition" to the club.
But the 29-year-old left-hander also believes the Giants already have enough talent to be competitive in 2019.
"My plan is winning this year," Bumgarner said. "I think that's everybody in this clubhouse's plan. Regardless of the names that you see or don't see, I've been part of teams that won when we probably weren't supposed to or shouldn't have. We've seen plenty of other teams do it. You mention Harper, obviously that's going to make any team better. But that's not to say that we couldn't do it without him. I think we've got the guys. We can do it. I think it's all a mentality."
Still, the trade whispers are unlikely to subside during the season, particularly if the Giants find themselves out of contention by the Trade Deadline. Bumgarner's impending free agency and pedigree will make him one of the Giants' most desirable assets, which could motivate the front office to trade him for a package of prospects. His teammates are aiming to avoid this outcome.
"We hope that we're in a position come the Trade Deadline where it makes absolutely no sense for him to be anywhere else," Posey said.