The San Francisco Giants are staring down another long offseason after missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. While they’ve already started to patch up the rotation-signing right-hander Adrian Houser to a two-year, $22 million deal-the infield, particularly second base, remains a glaring hole in the lineup. And with winter heating up, so are the trade rumors.
One name that’s surfaced with some serious intrigue: Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs. According to reports, the Giants have checked in on the 28-year-old Gold Glove second baseman, and there’s plenty of reason why he fits the mold of what San Francisco is trying to build.
Let’s start with the glove. Hoerner has made a seamless transition from shortstop to second base, and it’s paid off in hardware-he just picked up his second Gold Glove in three seasons.
That kind of defensive consistency is exactly what the Giants have prioritized under their current front office. If you're building a team around run prevention and solid fundamentals, Hoerner checks every box.
But this isn’t just about defense. Hoerner is coming off his best season yet, posting a 6.2 bWAR and slashing .297/.345/.394 with a 114 OPS+.
That’s not superstar-level power, but it’s high-contact, high-IQ baseball-something the Giants have lacked in the middle infield. He gets on base, puts the ball in play, and doesn’t give away at-bats.
Add in his athleticism and versatility, and you’re looking at a player who fits seamlessly into a team that values flexibility and smart, situational baseball.
There’s also the local connection. Hoerner, a Stanford alum and Oakland native, would be an easy fan favorite in the Bay Area.
That kind of hometown narrative doesn’t win games, but it does matter-especially for a team looking to reenergize a fan base that’s grown restless after a string of underwhelming seasons. And with only one year left on his current three-year, $35 million deal (he’s owed $12 million in 2025), there’s potential for the Giants to explore a longer-term extension if things go well.
Of course, acquiring a player like Hoerner won’t come cheap. Even with just a year left on his deal, his value is sky-high-both because of his production and because the Cubs may be looking to sell high. If the Giants want him, they’ll likely have to part with significant prospect capital.
But Hoerner isn’t the only second baseman on San Francisco’s radar. They’re also in the mix for Brendan Donovan of the St.
Louis Cardinals, according to recent reports. The Giants are reportedly going head-to-head with the Seattle Mariners in trade talks for the 28-year-old infielder, who just wrapped up an All-Star campaign.
Donovan might not have Hoerner’s defensive accolades, but what he brings is rare: year-over-year consistency. Just take a look at his last four seasons:
- 2022: .281 AVG, .773 OPS
- 2023: .284 AVG, .787 OPS
- 2024: .278 AVG, .759 OPS
- 2025: .287 AVG, .776 OPS
That’s about as steady as it gets. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, and in a lineup that’s struggled to find rhythm, that kind of dependability is invaluable.
Donovan posted a 2.7 bWAR over 118 games this season and was the Cardinals’ top performer in a year that saw St. Louis pivot toward a rebuild.
With two more years of club control and a manageable $2.85 million salary in 2025, Donovan is a cost-effective option who could slot in immediately and contribute.
But just like with Hoerner, the price tag won’t be light. The Cardinals are reportedly seeking multiple top prospects as they look to stockpile talent for the future.
Bottom line: the Giants are clearly serious about upgrading second base, and they’re targeting players who align with their core values-defense, consistency, and team-first baseball. Whether it’s Hoerner’s elite glove and local ties or Donovan’s steady bat and affordable control, San Francisco seems poised to make a move that could solidify a key spot in the lineup.
Now, it’s just a matter of which direction they go-and how much they’re willing to pay to get there.