The San Francisco Giants are keeping their eyes on the second base market this offseason - and for good reason. While internal options like Tyler Fitzgerald, Christian Koss, and Casey Schmitt will get their shot in spring training, there’s a growing sense that the team could benefit from a more experienced presence at the position.
Manager Tony Vitello will use camp to evaluate what he’s got, but if the Giants want more stability up the middle, the answer might not be in-house. That’s where the trade market comes in - and one name to watch is Mets utility man Jeff McNeil.
With the New York Mets swinging a blockbuster move to acquire Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers - sending center fielder Brandon Nimmo the other way - McNeil suddenly finds himself without a clear role. Second base is now Semien’s territory, and McNeil, who’s not exactly known for his glove in the outfield, could be the odd man out. According to ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan, McNeil is one of the top 25 trade candidates this winter, and the expectation is that the Mets will look to move him - even if it means eating a chunk of his $15.75 million contract (which includes a $2 million buyout for 2027).
So where does that leave the Giants? Right in the mix.
San Francisco is one of a few teams reportedly linked to McNeil, alongside the Pirates and Royals. And it’s not hard to see why.
While McNeil hasn't quite recaptured the magic of his 2019 All-Star campaign - when he launched 23 homers and posted a .916 OPS - he showed signs of life in 2025. His .746 OPS this past season was his best since 2022, when he won the National League batting title with a .326 average.
That kind of offensive upside, especially from a second baseman, is hard to ignore.
He’ll turn 34 in April, and while he’s not a long-term solution, McNeil could be the kind of veteran presence that helps stabilize the Giants’ infield - and maybe even mentor the younger guys fighting for a roster spot. Defensively, he’s best suited at second base, and though his outfield play leaves something to be desired, his bat and experience could be exactly what the Giants need.
For a team looking to stay competitive in a deep NL West, adding a proven hitter with positional versatility and leadership qualities might be a smart play. Whether the Giants pull the trigger remains to be seen, but Jeff McNeil is a name worth watching as the hot stove heats up.