SF Giants could pivot to Yankees All-Star if trade talks for Brendan Donovan fall through

The SF Giants are viewed as one of the frontrunners for St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan. If trade talks fall through, they could pivot to Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees and New York is reportedly listening on the two-time All-Star, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

SF Giants could pivot to Yankees All-Star if trade talks for Brendan Donovan fall through

Listening on a player does not necessarily mean that a team is motivated to make a trade. Teams listen on many of their players as a way to gauge his value. If it makes sense, the team could look to make a deal.

Chisholm Jr. is in the final year of his rookie contract. According to MLB Trade Rumors, he is projected to see a raise to $10.2 million through arbitration. That would be nearly double the $5.85 million he earned in 2025.

The Yankees could be looking to move Chisholm Jr. given that he is on an expiring deal, and it might make sense to get to get value in return, if they plan on letting him walk in free agency next winter. However, the 2026 roster is likely better with him on it.

The Giants have been surveying the market for upgrades at second base. It is one of the few positions they can realistically bolster this offseason. Brendan Donovan, Ketel Marte, and Brandon Lowe are all potentiel trade candidates who fill that need. In the case of Marte, the Giants are among the five teams on his no-trade list.

As of now, Casey Schmitt will enter the season as the everyday second baseman. Tyler Fitzgerald and Christian Koss could see time in a utility role.

Chisholm Jr. would be a notable upgrade in that regard. The left-handed bat slashed .242/.332/.481 (126 wRC+) with 31 home runs, 80 RBI, and 75 runs in 531 plate appearances. This includes a 10.9 percent walk rate, 27.9 percent strikeout rate, and a .238 ISO.

Similar to Cody Bellinger, Chisholm Jr. performs better at Yankee Stadium. He posted an .892 OPS at home, compared to a .731 OPS on the road. This makes evaluating the type of hitter he truly is difficult.

Nonetheless, the 27-year-old infielder earned his second All-Star nod in 2025. While a trade remains unlikely, the Giants could make a pivot if they miss out on other upgrade opportunities.