The San Francisco Giants have maintained a low profile during the ongoing Winter Meetings in Orlando, but recent speculation suggests that they may be eyeing a trade for Brendan Donovan, the second baseman of the St. Louis Cardinals. The Los Angeles Dodgers are also said to be interested in the talented player, making this a competitive situation for the Giants.
Addressing second base is a priority for the Giants this offseason, particularly in light of the injury concerns surrounding Casey Schmitt. Schmitt recently underwent wrist surgery and may not be ready for the start of spring training, although he is expected to be fit for the regular season. Despite his potential, Schmitt’s performance last season, which included a .237 batting average alongside 12 home runs and 40 RBIs, demonstrates that there is room for improvement.
The addition of Donovan could significantly enhance the Giants’ lineup. At nearly 29 years old, he comes off an impressive season that earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team, where he posted a .287 batting average with a .353 on-base percentage, 10 home runs, and 50 RBIs. His contact skills could be a much-needed boost for a Giants team that struggled with consistency at the plate last year.
As the Cardinals look to rebuild and stockpile prospects, Donovan may be on the trading block despite being projected to earn $5.75 million in 2026. The Giants might consider exploring a trade that includes Schmitt, possibly alongside additional prospects, to secure Donovan’s talents. However, it is also conceivable that the Giants would want to retain Schmitt due to his versatility and solid defense, particularly since he excels defensively at third base, where he is currently blocked in San Francisco by Matt Chapman.
Acquiring Donovan not only represents an improvement at second base for the Giants but also allows them to acquire a player who is attracting attention from the Dodgers and other teams. This could present a strategic advantage while simultaneously bolstering their roster as they aim to compete in the upcoming season.