Giants Eye Nico Hoerner, Jason Foley as Offseason Strategy Comes Into Focus
December might be quiet on the diamond, but the rumor mill? That’s a different story-especially in San Francisco.
The Giants have already dipped into the offseason waters with their first notable move, but they’re far from done. What’s emerging now is a clear front-office blueprint: prioritize fit over flash, and build a roster that plays to the quirks of Oracle Park.
That means defense, speed, and contact-traits that don’t always light up a headline but win games in that ballpark.
At the top of the Giants’ to-do list: pitching reinforcements. That’s been the consistent drumbeat.
But they’re also working down the checklist, and one spot that’s suddenly in play is second base. The door is open, and the Giants are exploring options that could bring offensive upside without compromising their run prevention identity.
One name squarely on their radar? Nico Hoerner.
According to reports, the Giants are keeping tabs on the Cubs’ two-time Gold Glove second baseman. Hoerner is coming off a season where he hit .297 with seven homers, 61 RBIs, and 29 stolen bases-a well-rounded stat line that reflects his value on both sides of the ball.
He’s entering his final year before free agency, which adds a layer of urgency for Chicago if they’re considering a move. But make no mistake: the Cubs aren't eager to part with him.
He’s a core piece, and any deal would likely require a significant return, especially as they weigh other infield possibilities like Alex Bregman.
Still, the Giants’ interest in Hoerner fits a clear pattern. They’ve also been linked to Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan, another versatile defender with offensive upside.
The throughline here is obvious: San Francisco wants players who can move the needle without disrupting the roster’s balance. These are not splashy, headline-grabbing names, but they’re the kind of additions that reflect a front office playing the long game-building a team that can grind out wins in a pitcher-friendly park.
And while the position player market is getting most of the buzz, the Giants haven’t taken their foot off the gas on the pitching front either.
On December 17, the team reached a one-year Major League deal with right-hander Jason Foley, according to an official MLB release. Foley, 30, is working his way back from right shoulder surgery performed in May by Dr.
Keith Meister. The expectation is that he’ll be ready to return around midseason.
When healthy, Foley has been a reliable bullpen arm. Over four seasons with the Tigers, he posted a 3.16 ERA in 210 appearances and was one of the American League’s top five save leaders in 2024. He played a key role in Detroit’s postseason push, and the Giants are betting that he can bring that same late-inning stability once he’s fully recovered.
Health is the swing factor here. The Giants’ bullpen has always been a work in progress, and December is as much about rehab updates as it is roster additions. But if Foley can return to form, he gives San Francisco another high-leverage option in a group that could use a few more sure things.
Bottom line: the Giants aren’t chasing headlines this winter-they’re chasing fit. And whether it’s a glove-first second baseman or a rehabbing reliever with late-inning upside, every move is pointing toward a team that knows exactly what it needs to compete in 2025.