The San Francisco Giants are drawing a line in the dirt this offseason-and it's right at second base. After a 2025 campaign where production from the keystone was, frankly, a black hole (.217/.273/.343 slash line and 27th in wRC+), the front office is done waiting around. They’re in the market for a difference-maker, someone who can not only shore up the infield but also inject life into a lineup that badly needs it.
And they’re not being subtle about it.
According to reports, the Giants have been “aggressive” in talks for two names that would represent a clear upgrade: Nico Hoerner of the Cubs and Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals. Both players bring versatility, contact skills, and solid defense-exactly the kind of two-way value San Francisco is hunting for.
Let’s start with Hoerner. The Cubs' infielder is coming off another strong year and is under contract for $12 million in 2026.
That price tag isn’t cheap, but neither is the value he brings-especially for a team like the Giants, who need a steady presence up the middle. Hoerner’s ability to put the ball in play, run the bases, and hold down second defensively would be a massive boost.
But the Cubs are in win-now mode after locking up Alex Bregman to a five-year deal, so any move for Hoerner would require a serious return. San Francisco would have to be ready to pay up in prospects or controllable big-league talent.
Then there’s Brendan Donovan. The Cardinals are in the early stages of a rebuild, which makes Donovan a more realistic trade target.
He’s under team control through 2027, giving the Giants a longer runway with him. Donovan isn’t flashy, but he’s the kind of player who does a lot of things well-he gets on base, plays multiple positions, and brings a grind-it-out mentality that fits perfectly with the Giants’ clubhouse culture.
If the Cardinals are open for business, expect the Giants to be near the front of the line.
The good news for San Francisco? They’ve got payroll flexibility.
After a few offseasons of sitting out the marquee free-agent market, the Giants have the financial room to make a move. And with the NL landscape shifting-especially with the Cubs now reshuffling their infield-the time to strike is now.
San Francisco can’t afford to let second base be a liability again in 2026, not if they’re serious about staying competitive in a loaded National League.
Meanwhile, a familiar face is stepping away from the game. Jaylin Davis, the former Giants outfielder, has officially announced his retirement.
Davis, who came up through the Twins system before being traded to San Francisco, had a few memorable moments in orange and black-including a walk-off homer in September 2019 and a 35-homer breakout across the minors that same year. He also spent time with the Red Sox in 2022 before bouncing around the minors and independent leagues.
While Davis never carved out a full-time role in the majors, he brought power and hustle every time he stepped on the field. For a 24th-round pick, making it to The Show and sticking around for parts of three seasons is no small feat. He walks away with his head high-and a few highlight-reel memories for Giants fans to hold onto.
As the offseason heats up, all eyes in San Francisco are on second base. The Giants know what they need-and they’re making it clear they’re ready to deal.