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.