The San Francisco Giants have been linked to a few different options this winter to improve their second baseman spot. While there aren't many great free agent options, the trade market is robust.
Arizona Diamondbacks Ketel Marte, St. Louis Cardinals Brendan Donovan, and Tampa Bay Rays Brandon Lowe are all quality options for the Giants this winter.
However, a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic crushed the hopes of Giants fans wishing for the top choice, Marte, this winter. Unfortunately, along with four other clubs, the Giants are one of the teams Marte doesn't want to be traded to.
Giants trade hopes for Ketel Marte crushed amid latest report
"Marte has a five-team no-trade list," Rosenthal writes, "the Athletics, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Giants and Cardinals, according to people briefed on his contract."
The Giants are one of the five teams that Marte has on his no-trade list, meaning if the Giants wanted to trade for him, Marte would need to sign off on any deal.
The other teams around Major League Baseball don't have such a hurdle, as they could trade for Marte without any worry of the superstar second baseman nixing such a deal.
Marte is the best available second baseman this winter, and with the Diamondbacks willing to listen to offers and rumors suggesting he could be moved, the three-time All-Star could be on the move this offseason.
More: Giants get good news on potential Max Scherzer free agent deal
But, it likely won't be with the Giants or a team like the New York Yankees. The 11-year veteran has some choice over his future home, and it doesn't look likely that it'll be in San Francisco.
Fortunately, the Giants have a few other options in Brendan Donovan and Brandon Lowe. But if they cannot trade for either, their options at second base will be severely limited this offseason.
Marte is, by far, the best second baseman available this offseason, whether by trade or free agent deal. He would've been a good addition for the Giants' lineup, but they're on his limited no-trade clause list, likely dashing any hopes of a blockbuster trade this offseason.
More Giants News:
- Giants predicted to be top landing spot for $7.75 million former Cy Young candidate to replace Justin Verlander
- Giants predicted to trade for 3.42 ERA All-Star starting pitcher
- Pitcher who seemingly hates the Dodgers predicted to take deal with Giants
- Giants to hire beloved MLB-lifer to join Tony Vitello's staff as infield coach
- Giants to contend with Dodgers, Blue Jays for Kyle Tucker in free agency
- Giants 'perfect' free agent match is ace eager to take down Dodgers