The San Francisco Giants are on the hunt for a major upgrade at second base, and they're not holding back! With their sights set on bolstering their lineup, the Giants have been aggressively pursuing two standout players from the NL Central: Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs and Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals. But here's where it gets interesting... Are they the right fit, and at what cost?
The Giants' second basemen struggled in 2025, ranking near the bottom in terms of productivity. With a combined batting average of .217/.273/.343 and a 73 wRC+ (27% below average), it's clear why they're eager for a change. Tyler Fitzgerald, Casey Schmitt, Christian Koss, and Brett Wisely all fell short of expectations at the plate while playing second base.
Enter Hoerner and Donovan, both 29 years old and proven contact hitters. Hoerner boasts a .285/.342/.388 line (106 wRC+) over the past five seasons, while Donovan has consistently impressed with a .282/.361/.411 slash line (119 wRC+) since his MLB debut. But there's a catch. The Giants already have a strong left side of the infield with Matt Chapman and Willy Adames, which might make Hoerner's defensive versatility less crucial.
And this is the part most people miss: the Cardinals, in the midst of a rebuild, could be more willing to part with Donovan, who has two years of club control remaining. He's a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner, but his power numbers are below average. On the other hand, Hoerner, with one year left on his contract, might be a tougher get. The Cubs, aiming to win now, would likely demand significant MLB talent in return, especially after their recent signing of Alex Bregman.
The Giants have the financial flexibility to accommodate either player, but the question remains: Which player is the better fit? The free-agent market still offers options like Bo Bichette, and any move could have a ripple effect on other teams' decisions. For instance, if Bichette signs with the Phillies, they might be more open to trading Bryson Stott. It's a complex puzzle, and the Giants must consider their other needs, like strengthening the bullpen.
So, will the Giants land their second base upgrade? And at what cost? The pursuit continues, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next move. What's your take on the Giants' strategy?
