The San Francisco Giants have a clear offseason priority: shore up second base. It’s a position that’s been a bit of a revolving door lately, and if the Giants want to stay competitive in a tough NL West, they’ll need a reliable answer there. The free agent market isn’t offering much, so if they’re going to fill that hole with a difference-maker, it’s likely going to come through a trade.
And that’s exactly where things are heating up.
According to reports, the Giants have emerged as a top contender for Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan - a versatile, Gold Glove-caliber defender with a bat that plays. The Seattle Mariners are also in the mix, but San Francisco is firmly in the conversation as negotiations progress.
Now, let’s talk about what makes Donovan such an intriguing fit.
At 28, Donovan is entering his prime and already has a Gold Glove and All-Star nod on his résumé. In 2025, he posted a .287 batting average with a .775 OPS - not flashy power numbers, but he chipped in 10 home runs and racked up 32 doubles.
That’s the kind of offensive consistency that complements his elite defensive chops. He’s not just a glove guy - he’s a well-rounded infielder who can get on base, grind out at-bats, and make winning plays in the field.
From a front office perspective, Donovan also checks the financial box. He’s under team control through 2027, which makes him a more cost-effective option compared to someone like Ketel Marte, who’s locked into a $105 million deal through 2030. Marte may be the more dynamic bat, but his no-trade list reportedly includes the Giants - a potential roadblock that might steer San Francisco in a different direction.
That’s where Donovan becomes even more appealing. He may not have Marte’s offensive ceiling, but he brings a high floor, positional versatility, and a reputation as a clubhouse asset. With the Cardinals leaning toward a rebuild and looking to stockpile top-tier prospects, it’s the kind of deal that makes sense for both sides - especially if the Giants are willing to part with some young talent to get it done.
And make no mistake: they’ll need to. St.
Louis isn’t giving Donovan away. The Cardinals are reportedly seeking multiple top prospects in return, and with several teams interested, the price could climb quickly.
Still, if the Giants are serious about contending in 2026 and beyond, this is the type of move that signals intent. They’ve got Buster Posey helping steer the front office now, and while Marte may have been the dream target, Donovan is a realistic and impactful Plan B - one that could solidify the infield and bring some much-needed stability to the lineup.
As trade talks continue to pick up steam, keep a close eye on this one. The Giants are in the thick of it, and Brendan Donovan could be wearing orange and black sooner rather than later.