The Chicago Cubs are hoping to retake the National League Central Division in 2026. They are coming off of a season in which they went 92-70, but lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series. Indeed, 2026 is a key season for Chicago as it could be the last in which they have one of their most popular players, Nico Hoerner.
The 2026 MLB season will be the final year of Hoerner’s three-year $35 million contract that he signed with the Cubs in 2024. And while the team could extend him at any time, there are trade rumors and speculation abounding in regard to the two-time Gold Glove second baseman.
The Chicago Cubs could trade Nico Hoerner to the San Francisco Giants
Jun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
One of the potential trade destinations for Hoerner, if the Cubs were to trade him, is the San Francisco Giants. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report describes such a deal:
“San Francisco Giants send OF Bo Davidson and RHP Blade Tidwell for Nico Hoerner (20.5 median surplus)
“Davidson is probably still at least a year away. But with both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki hitting free agency next winter, looking ahead to 2027 with an outfielder acquisition is probably the play for Chicago—especially after trading away Owen Caissie to get Edward Cabrera.
“And Tidwell is hardly a throwaway piece in the deal. He was one of the chips San Francisco got for Tyler Rogers this past summer, and he has some promise if he keeps the walks under control.”
The problem with this deal is that, while it may help Chicago in the long run by giving them high-quality prospects, it does nothing but weaken their lineup for this year, a year in which they fully expect to make a run at the World Series.
Indeed, trading Hoerner this year makes little sense if the Cubs want to put their best possible team on the field. In fact, they would be better off extending him and paying him what he is worth instead of letting him play out his contract and leaving in free agency.
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