The Chicago Cubs are apparently gauging trade interest in second baseman Nico Hoerner, who is understandably drawing considerable interest after his brilliant 2025 MLB campaign.
But could a potential Hoerner trade result in something much bigger?
It’s hard to upgrade from Hoerner. He slashed .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs and 61 RBI over 649 plate appearances this past season while also bagging his second Gold Glove award. His defensive numbers were mind-boggling, as he posted a plus-17 DRS and plus-14 OAA at second base.
All of that resulted in the former first-round pick managing a 4.8 WAR.
But there is one player who would comprise a step up from Hoerner: Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte.
Could the Chicago Cubs pull off a blockbuster trade for Ketel Marte?
Jul 6, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second base Ketel Marte (4) makes the play for an out against the Kansas City Royals in the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Diamondbacks seem to be shopping Marte this winter, and while there is no guarantee Arizona moves him (he is under team control through 2030 with a player option for 2031), there is legitimate buzz that he could be dealt.
Marte slashed .283/.376/.517 with 28 homers and 27 RBI in 2025. The year prior, he belted 38 long balls while posting a .932 OPS in what was one of the most productive campaigns of his big-league carer.
Sure, Marte is 32 years old, so a potential decline in the somewhat near future is relatively concerning, but he has shown no signs of it recently. In fact, Marte has actually gotten even better with age and equaled his career high with a 6.3 WAR two seasons ago.
The Dominican native may not be as great with the glove as Hoerner, but he is still a terrific defender at second, and let’s face it: the Cubs need a bat, especially when it appears to be a foregone conclusion that Kyle Tucker is a goner.
Trading Nico Hoerner only makes sense under one scenario
Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) flies out during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images
There really is no reason to move Hoerner unless Chicago — which won 92 games and made it to the NLDS this past year — has other plans up its sleeve. Yes, Hoerner is entering the final year of his deal and is slated to earn big money in free agency next winter, but the Cubs are not in rebuilding mode.
Chicago also has a pretty impressive farm system and absolutely has the goods to get a Marte deal done. It could also replenish its system with whatever it loses in a potential Marte trade by moving Hoerner or a sizeable return.
Marte is also pretty affordable, making $19.4 million in average annual value through the rest of his contract. He will earn just $16 million in 2026.
Will the Cubs actually get aggressive and make a move for Marte? We are about to find out.
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