Let’s be real for a second. Being a San Francisco Giants fan lately feels like watching a high-stakes poker game where your team is mostly just folding and waiting for the "perfect" hand that never actually comes. But something shifted recently. With Buster Posey now steering the ship as President of Baseball Operations, the vibe in the front office is less "analytical spreadsheet" and more "let’s actually win some games."
The stove isn't just hot; it's practically melting. If you've been following the sf giants mlb rumors lately, you know the focus has narrowed down to one specific, glaring hole in the infield. We need a second baseman. Badly.
The Aggressive Push for the Keystone
The numbers from 2025 were, honestly, pretty brutal. Giants second basemen combined for a .617 OPS. That’s 27th in the majors. You can’t win a division—especially not with the Dodgers and Padres spending like they’ve got cheat codes—when your middle infield is a black hole offensively.
Jeff Passan recently dropped a bit of a bombshell, reporting that the Giants are "aggressively" pursuing a trade to fix this. It’s not just idle chatter. We are looking at two specific names that keep popping up: Nico Hoerner and Brendan Donovan.
Why Hoerner and Donovan?
Honestly, they’re the perfect "Oracle Park" hitters. Think about it. Oracle is where home runs go to die (unless you’re Barry Bonds or a lucky seagull). But it’s actually a great park for doubles. Both Hoerner and Donovan are gap-to-gap guys.
- Nico Hoerner: He’s coming off a career year with a .297 average and 29 stolen bases. With the Cubs signing Alex Bregman, Hoerner has become expendable. He’s the spark plug this lineup hasn't had since... well, maybe since Panik was in his prime.
- Brendan Donovan: The Cardinals are in a weird spot, and Donovan is a versatile piece that every winning team wants. He’s a high-OBP guy who walks almost as much as he strikes out.
Posey isn't looking for a 40-homer guy who strikes out 200 times. He’s looking for professional hitters.
The Rotation: Is One More "Ace" Coming?
Logan Webb is the rock. We know that. And Robbie Ray is there to provide that veteran left-handed presence. The team recently added Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser, which stabilizes things. But is it enough?
Rumors are swirling about a potential reunion with a future Hall of Famer. Justin Verlander had a weird 2025 with the Giants—started 0-8, then looked like his old self in the second half with a 2.60 ERA over his final 13 starts. Posey has publicly said they'd be interested in bringing him back.
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But then there's the Max Scherzer talk. Mad Max spent 2025 with the Blue Jays, serving as a mentor to their young staff. The Giants' rotation is young behind Webb. Having Scherzer in the clubhouse to teach guys like Landen Roupp how to have that "killer instinct" could be worth the contract alone.
The "Austerity" Problem
Here is the part that bugs me. The Giants have the money. We know they have the money. Yet, there’s this weird "austerity" vibe hanging over the winter. While teams are throwing $400 million at guys like Kyle Tucker, the Giants are claiming guys like Justin Dean and Joey Wiemer off waivers (and then DFA'ing them three weeks later).
It feels like a balancing act. The sf giants mlb rumors suggest they want to stay under the luxury tax this year to reset those nasty penalties they picked up in 2024 when they signed Willy Adames. By resetting now, they’ll be "untethered" for the 2027 free-agent class.
But can the fans wait that long? 81-81 isn't going to cut it in San Francisco anymore.
The International Market
Keep an eye on the international signing period. The Giants have a $5.4 million pool, and it's basically an open secret they are after Luis Hernández, a top middle-infield prospect from Venezuela.
- He’s likely to command a $5 million bonus.
- This would be a huge get, but it's a long-term play.
- He won't help the big league club in 2026.
What Actually Happens Next?
If I’m a betting man, the Giants make a trade before the first week of February. They can't go into Spring Training with Casey Schmitt (who is recovering from wrist surgery) as the only real option at second base.
The Cubs and Cardinals are both looking to move pieces. The Giants have the pitching prospects (like maybe a package centered around a young arm) to get a deal done.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Waiver Wire: The Giants are currently in "roster churn" mode. They are constantly moving the bottom 5 spots of the 40-man to find a diamond in the rough.
- The Second Base Clock: If a trade for Hoerner or Donovan hasn't happened by the time pitchers and catchers report, expect the Giants to pivot to a veteran "stop-gap" free agent like Jean Segura or a similar high-contact vet.
- Ticket Strategy: If you're looking for 2026 tickets, wait until after the second base situation is resolved. The "Posey Bump" in ticket prices is real, but a big trade usually triggers a secondary market spike.
The Giants aren't rebuilding, but they aren't quite "all-in" yet either. They are in this weird middle ground where one big trade for a second baseman could actually make them a Wild Card threat. Or, they could stand pat and hope the young guys like Heliot Ramos take another massive leap. Honestly, with Buster in charge, I'm leaning toward the "aggressive" side of the rumors finally coming true.
Check the transaction logs daily. This second base deal feels like it’s about to break any minute.