The Giants are on the hunt for an upgrade at second base, and it seems they've set their sights on some intriguing options. With a recent report suggesting they're in the running for Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals and Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks, the Giants are leaving no stone unturned. But here's where it gets controversial... Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reveals that the Giants have also expressed interest in Nico Hoerner of the Cubs. And this is the part most people miss: Hoerner and Donovan have very different profiles, which could spark an interesting debate among fans.
Let's dive into why the Giants are eyeing these players. In 2025, their second base was primarily manned by Tyler Fitzgerald, Casey Schmitt, and Christian Koss, all of whom had underwhelming performances at the plate. Free agency doesn't offer much of an upgrade, with the Giants seemingly uninterested in long-term deals this winter. So, the trade market becomes a key focus.
Marte has been linked to numerous rumors, but the Diamondbacks' decision to move him remains unclear. Donovan, on the other hand, is widely expected to be on the move due to his rebuilding club and proximity to free agency. However, the Giants face stiff competition, with half the league reportedly interested in Donovan.
Hoerner and Lowe present an intriguing contrast. Both are signed only through 2026, making them rental players. Lowe's salary of $11.5MM for next year and Hoerner's $12MM salary might be a concern for some teams. But their profiles couldn't be more different. Lowe, despite his power, is injury-prone and lacks defensive prowess. Hoerner, on the other hand, is a speedster with excellent defensive skills and a low strikeout rate.
The Cubs might not be overly motivated to part with Hoerner. He's affordable and has consistently contributed around four to five wins above replacement per year. However, with Hoerner set to become a free agent, the Cubs might consider their options. Next year's free agent class could see Hoerner market himself as the top available shortstop, especially with competition from J.P. Crawford and Ha-Seong Kim.
The Cubs' potential interest in free agent third basemen like Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suárez could open up a trade scenario involving Hoerner. Matt Shaw, who primarily played third base this year but has second base experience, could become a trade chip or move to second base if Hoerner is dealt. While this move might result in a defensive downgrade, the addition of a power-hitter like Bregman or Suárez could offset the loss of Kyle Tucker to free agency.
It's unclear whether the Cubs are seriously considering this scenario, and the Giants' primary focus seems to be on pitching and outfield rather than second base. With the trade market for second basemen so active, it might take one team making a bold move to set off a chain reaction. Will the Giants be the ones to knock over that first domino? Only time will tell.
Photo courtesy of Sergio Estrada, Imagn Images.
