The Chicago Cubs do have some clearly defined goals this offseason. They’ve put it out there that they’re focused on pitching right now and that, basically, everything else is secondary.
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They do have to address another major situation facing them soon, however. They have to figure out what to do after 2026. At the end of the coming season, the Cubs stand to lose a good chunk of their core roster as Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, Carson Kelly, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Shota Imanaga will all be eligible for free agency.
To complicate matters even more, Chicago has to find a way to actually compete for a championship in their one-year window of opportunity in 2026 before so much uncertainty washes over them the following season. Impact talent, especially pitching, is needed now, for not only this coming season, but as a foundational piece following the likely mass exodus of talent.
Addressing the Nico Hoerner trade buzz
Sep 27, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) is greeted in the dugout after scoring against the Cincinnati Reds during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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But even with this dilemma staring them down, it boggles the mind that second baseman Nico Hoerner, who had a 2025 full of consistent excellence in all aspects of the game and motored the team in the playoffs, would be the guy the Cubs sacrifice to take a stab at a quality pitcher.
Yet, here we are, with buzz circulating about the logistics of a Hoerner trade, although, admittedly, that buzz is entirely media-generated at this point.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com recently spotlighted Hoerner as the Cubs’ potential trade candidate for 2026.
Per Feinsand:
“Hoerner is in the final year of the three-year, $35 million extension he signed in March 2023, and while he may not be a likely trade candidate, his situation features the kind of ingredients that make him an ideal trade fit. Hoerner’s elite defense, consistency at the plate and leadership make him a valued member of the Cubs, but Matt Shaw could slide over to second base, opening third base for any number of available options this offseason.”
Insane?
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Athletics Apr 2, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago Cubs second base Nico Hoerner (2) scores a run on a single by outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) during the fourth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Hoerner was reportedly being shopped around by the Cubs last offseason, but to do so this offseason, following a stellar year and his ascension to unofficial team captain status, seems straight-up insane. If anything, the Cubs should be talking extension for the 28-year-old.
One CAN understand, though, the thinking behind the idea of trading him. After all, if the Cubs had to give up an established major league asset for a top pitcher, who else could they give up? Happ and Suzuki have ironclad no-trade clauses in their contracts and the team’s not likely to give up a starting pitcher to bring in another starting pitcher. They also wouldn’t offer up one of their young stars such as Pete Crow-Armstrong or Michael Busch.
Chicago Cubs’ possibilities ahead
Jan 12, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer talks to the media after introducing pitcher Shota Imanaga (not pictured) during a press conference at Loews Chicago Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Free agency is an option– and some say the preferable option– when it comes to getting a high-end impact arm, but nobody, including the Cubs themselves, seems all that confident about the team’s chances of snagging a top pitcher.
As the free agent market shapes up (Dylan Cease and Ryan Helsley have already been snatched up by the Blue Jays and Orioles, respectively) and the Cubs face the reality that their conservative ways may keep them (once again) from getting a high-end impact player on the open market, a trade becomes a much more realistic alternative.
The Cubs could put together a package of top prospects for a high-end starter, mortgaging a good chunk of their future for one key asset. They could also try an extreme balancing act, offering up one of their last-year-of-contract guys for a top pitcher in a gamble that what they gain this season and beyond would make up for what they’d lose this coming year.
But, come on, Hoerner should not be that guy getting traded.
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