MLB Rumors: Giants & Cubs Becoming Trade Partners

December 20, 2025 ,
Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner rounds the bases during 2025 game.

The San Francisco Giants are doing their offseason homework at second base, and Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner is officially in the conversation. 

Susan Slusser reported the Giants have checked in on Hoerner, which fits a club that has been looking for more stability at the keystone after leaning on internal options in 2025.

Why Nico Hoerner makes sense for the San Francisco Giants

Hoerner checks a lot of boxes for what San Francisco tends to value. He is a plus defender with a strong reputation at second base, and he also brings the contact and speed profile that can play in a lineup that needs more reliable at bats. 

There is also a personal tie here, since Hoerner is a Bay Area native and played at Stanford.

Hoerner is signed through 2026 on the three year, $35 million extension he signed in March 2023, so any trade would be for a short window unless the Giants were confident they could extend him.

Giants second base targets include Brendan Donovan and Brandon Lowe

Hoerner is not the only infielder on the Giants’ radar. Slusser’s report also connects San Francisco to other second base options such as Brendan Donovan and Brandon Lowe, with Ketel Marte also mentioned in the broader mix of trade market names. 

The Giants are surveying the full board in case their preferred path at other positions does not land, or if the market pushes them toward a trade solution up the middle.

The bigger hurdle with Hoerner is what it would cost. The Cubs are not obligated to move him, and teams typically do not give away a premium defender who helps you win now. 

If San Francisco wants to pry him loose, it likely takes a compelling package, and the Giants will have to decide how aggressive they want to be given their other offseason priorities. 

Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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