The San Francisco Giants have a clear need this winter to address: second base. With a hope to fill that spot this winter, their best bet would be by wya of a trade.
There aren't many great free agent options, so a trade for one makes a lot of sense. Fortunately, there are a few available options. Unfortunately, the Giants are already likely locked out of one, the best options in Ketel Marte.
But, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Giants have emerged as a frontrunner for one of the other options available this winter. St. Louis Cardinals Gold Glove infielder Brendan Donovan is someone the Giants are going after and are a top suitor for.
Giants emerge as front-runner for Cardinals Gold Glover
"The Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants have emerged as front-runners for St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan," Woo writes, "sources familiar with negotiations tell The Athletic, with the Cardinals looking to land multiple top prospects in a return."
Woo's report suggests the Cardinals are seeking a strong return for Donovan, a 28-year-old second baseman who has an All-Star and Gold Glove accolade in his four-year MLB career.
But, even though it won't come cheap to acquire Donovan, it's likely a lot cheaper than Marte's trade market would be. Marte is under control through 2030 on a reasonable $105 million deal, while Donovan is only under contract through 2027.
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When the 2026 season starts, Donovan will be 29, and with the Cardinals entering a rebuild, a trade makes a lot of sense for St. Louis.
The Giants, looking to improve their infield, are strongly linked to Donovan and are one of two teams, alongside the Seattle Mariners, vying for the Gold Glove infielder this winter.
Donovan hit.287 in 2025, and while he only slugged 10 home runs, his 32 doubles and.775 OPS, along with his Gold Glove defense, make him a worthwhile addition for the Giants.
While the Giants might've wanted to go after Marte, the best available second baseman, his no-trade list, including the Giants, has Buster Posey, and the front office is likely to shift gears to Donovan.
Contending with the Mariners, the Giants are pursuing Donovan this winter, as trade talks ramp up between the Cardinals and interested teams.
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