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San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey has worked to remake the lineup. His latest targets could continue that transformation.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Giants are “aggressively” pursuing an upgrade at second base. Passan further reported that the Giants are interested in infielders Nico Hoerner and Brendan Donovan.
Second base was a weakness in the Giants lineup in 2025. Their second basemen produced a combined .217/.273/.343 batting line, ranking 27th in the majors with a .617 OPS.
San Francisco Giants need drastic offensive upgrade at second base
Donovan or Hoerner would be an immediate upgrade. Hoerner had a career year with the bat, posting a .297/.345/.394 batting line in his 649 plate appearances, hitting seven homers and 29 doubles while stealing 29 bases. Donovan, meanwhile, posted a .287/.353/.422 batting line with 10 homers and 32 doubles in his 515 plate appearances.
Both players are an ideal fit for the Giants. Oracle Park has been the third-worst ballpark for home runs over the past three seasons, with a park factor of 78 indicating that the Giants’ home is 22% below average for homers. However, Oracle Park is 10th in park factor for doubles, with a park factor of 102. As Donovan and Hoerner are doubles hitters who can spray the ball into the outfield gaps, Oracle Park suppressing power would not be a concern.
Posey has actively worked to rebuild the lineup. Third baseman Matt Chapman was signed as a free agent and received a long-term extension. Shortstop Willy Adames received the largest contract in franchise history to head to San Francisco. First baseman Rafael Devers was acquired in a trade with the Red Sox, adding a needed power bat. Adding Hoerner or Donovan would be another step in Posey’s push to build a contender in San Francisco.
