The Giants’ need for a long-term solution at second base has been apparent for much of the past year, but recent reporting suggests San Francisco is no longer content to wait patiently.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the front office has taken a notably more assertive approach in recent weeks, engaging in trade discussions centered around two prominent National League Central infielders: Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner and St. Louis Cardinals utility standout Brendan Donovan.

San Francisco’s urgency is understandable when examining the production it received from the keystone position in 2025. Giants second basemen collectively struggled to a .217/.273/.343 slash line, one of the weakest positional outputs in Major League Baseball.

Tyler Fitzgerald, Casey Schmitt, Christian Koss, and Brett Wisely all logged time at second, but none consistently provided offense, leaving the position as a glaring weakness in an otherwise competitive roster.

Hoerner and Donovan represent two different, but equally appealing, solutions. Hoerner has built a reputation as one of the more reliable middle infielders in the game, offering strong contact skills, speed on the bases, and steady defense.

While his offensive profile leans more toward batting average than power, his ability to get on base and impact games in multiple ways would immediately stabilize the Giants’ infield. Hoerner is entering the final year of his current contract and is owed $12 million in 2026, a manageable figure for a team looking to contend now.

Donovan, meanwhile, brings a slightly different skill set. A left-handed hitter with a disciplined approach, he has consistently posted strong on-base numbers and has proven capable of playing multiple positions across the infield and outfield.

Although the Giants already have Matt Chapman and Willy Adames anchoring the left side of the infield, Donovan’s versatility would still be valuable, allowing manager Bob Melvin to mix and match lineups based on matchups and health.

Donovan recently agreed to a one-year deal to avoid arbitration and remains under team control through the 2027 season, adding longer-term appeal.

For the Giants, the increased aggressiveness signals a clear intent to address one of their biggest shortcomings rather than hoping internal options take a step forward. Whether they ultimately land Hoerner, Donovan, or pivot to another target, San Francisco’s actions suggest that upgrading second base is becoming a priority move as the club pushes toward sustained contention.

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