The future of Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner was immediately called into question following the team’s decision to sign Alex Bregman in free agency, considering that Matt Shaw has now been relegated to a super utility role.
Could the Cubs trade Hoerner and move Shaw to second base?
It’s a possibility, especially when you take into account the fact that Hoerner has just one year remaining on his contract and would cost a small fortune in free agency. The 28-year-old posted a 4.8 WAR in 2025, which led all second basemen.
However, the chances of Chicago — which is clearly trying to contend for a World Series next season — actually moving Hoerner now seem relatively slim.
Not only is Hoerner integral to the Cubs’ success, but Patrick Mooney of The Athletic has revealed that the trade cost for the two-time Gold Glover would be extravagant.
The Chicago Cubs’ asking price for Nico Hoerner is wild
May 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) throws to first to get Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson (not pictured) out in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
So, what exactly would Chicago expect in return in a potential Hoerner trade?
“To acquire Hoerner, the Cubs would need something close to a Kyle Tucker-like return,” Mooney wrote. “In that deal, the Houston Astros acquired a 25-year-old infielder with three years of control coming off an All-Star season, an MLB pitcher with upside and an ascending top prospect. That’s how much the Cubs value Hoerner.”
The chances of Chicago landing that type of haul in exchange for Hoerner are highly improbable. Not that Hoerner isn’t a terrific player, because he is. But he is not quite on the same level as Tucker, who was viewed by many as one of the best players in baseball at the time the Cubs acquired him.
“It’s very unlikely another team would value Hoerner that highly, but it can’t be ruled out,” Mooney added.
Hoerner slashed .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs and 61 RBI over 649 plate appearances this past season and hit .419 in the playoffs when most of the Cubs’ lineup — including Tucker — was struggling to get on base.
The former first-round pick owns a lifetime .282/.340/.384 slash line and has always been a tremendous defensive player, so he absolutely has incredible value. But Hoerner is probably more valuable to Chicago than he is to any other club at this point.
Perhaps the Cubs would revisit a Hoerner move at the trade deadline, but for now, he will likely remain in the Windy City.
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