After signing Alex Bregman, the Cubs should hold on to both Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw. Let’s talk about why.

Chicago Cubs fans are on an absolute high right now. With last night’s announcement of the organization signing All-Star Alex Bregman, mixed with a huge Bears’ comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, things are looking up.

But with ESPN writer Jeff Passan stating yesterday that the Cubs, “will consider trading (Matthew) Shaw or (Nico) Hoerner,” it has me worried. And let’s be real, “consider trading” does not mean either will be traded, but still. I’m worried.

When you look at the current Cubs lineup as it sits now with Hoerner on the team, you can’t help but argue that this team could be a top-five offense in all of baseball. With Michael Busch leading off, followed by Bregman, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Carson Kelly, Dansby Swanson, possibly Moises Ballesteros DH-ing, and Hoerner in the nine-hole, how could you not?

And let’s not forget Matthew Shaw, possibly being your utility man on the bench.

Story continues below.

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And that’s just it: when you look at this current Cubs lineup, the Cubs front office should refrain from trading either Hoerner or Shaw.

In his last three seasons, Hoerner is one of just three players to have averaged at least 160+ hits and 30+ stolen bases per season. The other two are Jose Ramirez and Bobby Witt Jr.

Last season, Hoerner posted a .297 batting average with 29 doubles, 4 triples, 29 stolen bases, and struck out just 49 times. He led all Cubs hitters with 179 hits, posted a 6.2 WAR, and won his second Gold Glove of his career.

Hoerner enters his free agent year in 2026, but that should in no way mean the second baseman should be dangled on the trade market for prospects. In fact, he should be in negotiations for another contract extension.

As far as Shaw, the rookie third baseman, did not exactly wow fans at the start of the 2025 season with his bat. However, his second half made up for it. In 63 games after the All-Star break, the right-hander slugged .522 with an .839 OPS while hitting 11 home runs, 10 doubles, 3 triples, and 29 RBI.

Drafted as a shortstop to the Cubs in 2023, Shaw’s glove at third base was never an issue in 2025 as he made the adjustment easily. His range, combined with his athleticism, proved that he could potentially be an effective utility player if needed be.

The Cubs have so many options with Shaw and Hoerner staying on the Cubs in 2025. Hoerner’s availability at shortstop could be a saving grace for the Cubs in 2026 if Dansby Swanson were to have any kind of setback. Shaw’s athleticism could allow Craig Counsell to use him in right field if Suzuki struggles defensively. Hoerner’s ability to put the ball in play, avoid strikeouts, and run the bases well could be useful as a leadoff bat in the lineup. There are so many options.

If, for some reason, Hoerner or Shaw were to be traded, why not wait until during the season?

Why not wait to see if there’s a hole in the roster that’s not yet noticeable?

Or if Shaw can make the transition as a utility player?

What about Suzuki’s glove in right field? Is it playable for most of 2026?

How about a young Ballesteros? Will he be able to make the transition for a full 162 next year as the designated hitter?

Is Daniel Polencia the closer for the full season?

With so many questions still left to answer about this roster, it would be smarter to use the idea of a Hoerner/Shaw trade as a “break glass in case of emergency” type of move.

But in the end, I think this Cubs team in 2026 is much better with both Shaw and Hoerner on it for the full season.

Much better.