Dodgers, Giants, and Reds: Second-Base Trade Market for Donovan & Hoerner Heats Up

The second-base trade ‍market ⁤is heating up, ⁣with the Giants as a⁤ driving force. Looking to upgrade at the keystone, San⁤ Francisco reportedly has‍ been engaged ⁤in trade discussions for both the Cardinals’⁤ Brendan Donovan and the Cubs’ Nico Hoerner.

Donovan has been‍ a strong candidate to be traded all offseason, and the Giants have ⁤long been considered a potential landing spot.⁤ The Mariners also have been closely linked to the ⁣St. Louis second baseman.⁣ Meanwhile, Hoerner’s chances of being dealt have seemingly increased after the Cubs landed third ⁤baseman Alex Bregman over the weekend, giving Chicago an infield surplus.

With rumors swirling, we asked⁢ five ⁣of our reporters to weigh in on what this might mean⁢ for the clubs involved.

Mark Feinsand (Senior national ‍reporter)
Donovan seems like a near-lock to be traded, but with a number of ⁤clubs potentially interested, the Cardinals are going to wait for the⁤ right deal to emerge before making a move. Along with the ⁢Giants and⁢ Mariners, the Red Sox are one ‍of the clubs in need of a ⁢second baseman — assuming, of ⁢course, that ⁢they don’t⁢ sign bo Bichette.

Hoerner is an ⁢intriguing trade candidate following the Bregman deal, but the Cubs ⁤aren’t in the same position as the Cardinals in that⁢ they don’t have⁤ to trade hoerner, who is a free agent next season. Chicago could keep Hoerner,⁣ use Matt Shaw as a super-utility player and slot Shaw in at second base⁣ a year from now.If the Giants do trade ‍for a⁤ second baseman, Donovan has to be considered the frontrunner.

Maria Guardado (Giants beat reporter)
The Giants have Casey Schmitt projected to serve as their starting second baseman ‍this⁢ year, but he’s currently rehabbing from left wrist surgery and remains relatively unproven. Donovan and Hoerner are both Gold‍ Glove-winning defenders who ⁣are known ⁢for their contact skills, so ⁤they ⁤would ⁤be ideal⁣ fits to upgrade a position where the Giants ranked 27th in the Majors with a .616 OPS in 2025.

Donovan might be a bit more attractive since he’d be under team control for two seasons and can also play the outfield, ⁢which ⁢is another area ‍of⁣ need for San Francisco.Still, it’s worth noting that Hoerner is a Bay Area native⁢ who attended Head-Royce ⁣School in Oakland and played at Stanford, so perhaps he’d⁣ be open to⁣ signing a ⁢long-term extension with the Giants if they manage to pry him away from the Cubs.

John Denton (Cardinals beat reporter)
Having already traded ‍veterans

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Seattle ⁤Mariners’ Offseason Trade Pursuit of Infielders (as of January 13,2026)

the Seattle Mariners explored trades for infielders⁤ Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Nick ⁢Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs during the 2024-2025 offseason, though circumstances‍ and othre moves impacted those pursuits.

Donovan Trade Discussions with ⁢the St. Louis Cardinals

The Mariners ⁤engaged in discussions with the Cardinals ⁢regarding Brendan Donovan during the 2024-2025 offseason, but St.‍ Louis initially prioritized trading players with higher salaries. MLB.com reported on ⁣November‍ 16,2024,that the Mariners were exploring the infield trade market,specifically mentioning Donovan. The Cardinals afterward traded Nolan arenado on December 5, 2024, potentially altering⁤ their willingness to deal Donovan. ESPN confirmed the Arenado trade on December 5, 2024. As of January ⁣13, 2026, there have been no further confirmed reports of active⁣ trade discussions between the Mariners and Cardinals regarding Donovan.

Hoerner Trade Discussions with the Chicago Cubs

The Seattle Mariners previously demonstrated significant interest ‍in Chicago Cubs infielder Nick Hoerner during the 2023-2024 offseason. MLB.com reported on November 17, 2023, that the Mariners were⁢ seeking ⁣to upgrade at third⁤ base and were in “deep discussions” regarding a trade for⁣ Hoerner. However, ‍the Cubs acquired Kyle⁣ Tucker from‍ the Houston Astros for Isaac paredes, reducing their need for Hoerner. the Athletic detailed the Tucker-Paredes trade on November 17, 2023. ⁤ Following Alex Bregman’s⁣ agreement with the Cubs on January 10, 2025, it is indeed unclear whether the‍ Mariners have re-engaged‍ in trade talks for⁢ Hoerner. ‍ NBC Sports Chicago reported on ⁣Bregman’s agreement ‍on January 10, 2025. As of january 13, 2026, no⁣ new confirmed reports indicate ongoing negotiations between the Mariners and Cubs for‍ Hoerner.

Breaking News Check (January 13,2026): ‍ A search across MLB.com,‍ ESPN, the Athletic, and NBC Sports MLB reveals no new developments ⁣regarding trade discussions involving the Mariners, Donovan, or Hoerner as the dates of the previously‍ cited articles.