The San Francisco Giants have been relatively quiet this offseason, especially compared to some of the more aggressive contenders around the league. While they haven’t made a marquee splash, they’ve made a series of moves aimed at shoring up depth and addressing key needs – albeit in a measured way.
The Giants added a pair of arms in Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle – Houser on a two-year deal and Mahle on a one-year pact. Both are solid, if unspectacular, additions who should bolster the rotation. In the bullpen, they brought in lefty Sam Hentges and right-hander Jason Foley, giving manager Bob Melvin more flexibility in late-inning matchups.
Their most notable move so far? Landing center fielder Harrison Bader on a two-year, $20 million deal. Bader, known for his elite defense and speed, should pair nicely with Jung Hoo Lee in the outfield, giving the Giants a dynamic defensive duo up the middle – and some much-needed athleticism.
Still, there’s a clear area where San Francisco could use an upgrade: second base.
The infield picture remains incomplete. With names like Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman headlining other teams’ infield cores, the Giants are lacking a sure-handed second baseman to round things out. And with the free-agent market thinning, the trade route might be the most viable path forward.
One intriguing possibility? A deal with the Chicago Cubs for Nico Hoerner.
According to recent speculation, the Giants could look to acquire Hoerner in exchange for a pair of prospects: outfielder Bo Davidson and right-hander Blake Tidwell. It’s a move that would address a need for both clubs.
For the Cubs, this could be a forward-looking play. Davidson is still likely a year away from making an MLB impact, but with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both set to hit free agency after next season, adding a promising outfield prospect now could pay dividends by 2027. Plus, Chicago already moved top prospect Owen Caissie in a deal for Edward Cabrera, so replenishing the farm system makes sense.
Tidwell, meanwhile, isn’t just a throw-in. Acquired by the Giants in last summer’s Tyler Rogers deal, he’s shown flashes of promise – particularly if he can tighten up the command and keep the walks in check. The Cubs would be betting on upside here.
From San Francisco’s perspective, Hoerner would be a strong fit. He brings a steady glove, positional versatility, and contact-oriented bat – all things the Giants could use as they try to build a more consistent offense and tighten up their infield defense. He also has experience at shortstop, which adds another layer of flexibility.
Of course, the Giants aren’t the only team that could come calling. The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers have also been floated as potential landing spots for Hoerner, which could drive up the asking price if a bidding war develops.
But if the Giants want to take a meaningful step forward without dipping into the high-priced free-agent pool, this is the kind of trade that could help them do it. They’d be filling a clear need with a proven, controllable player – and doing it without mortgaging their top-tier prospects.
It might not be the blockbuster move fans are hoping for, but it’s the kind of smart, calculated addition that could pay off in a big way come October.
