The Chicago Cubs landed their big fish this offseason when they snatched up third baseman Alex Bregman from the reported clutches of the Boston Red Sox.
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Not only was the deal uncharacteristic of the usually frugal Cubs ownership (5-years, $175 million with $70 million in deferred money), but it also put a unique– but welcomed– strain on the team’s roster.
With Bregman at third and last year’s third baseman Matt Shaw pushed to the side, Chicago now have a surplus of infield talent on the roster.
So, it kind of stood to reason that, maybe, the Cubs weren’t quite done with their moving and shaking this offseason.
The possibility of trading Nico Hoerner
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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Second baseman Nico Hoerner, who is on the last year of his contract and eligible for free agency at the end of the coming season, was tossed out by media as a possible trade chip. The displaced Shaw, who came up in the minors as a second baseman, could then be moved over to cover the traded Hoerner’s spot, per speculation.
And when news emerged that teams were, indeed, contacting the Cubs about acquiring the second baseman (notably, the New York Yankees), it made Cubs sense that, maybe, something was actually in the works. This is the team, after all, that traded away Cody Bellinger last offseason, just days after trading for Kyle Tucker. Salary dumps are real in this Cubs universe.
Hoerner will make just under $12 million in 2026, but he stands to make big bank as a free agent in a pretty thin projected infield free agent class. He seems to be very happy in the Cubs organization and had already signed on to one previous extension, so it’s possible that he may be receptive to another extension. It’s also quite possible, though, that he’ll move on to richer pastures.
It all made sense. The Cubs have established a history of mixing some bitter with the sweet. Hoerner, despite becoming a linchpin for the team and an on-field leader, has big value in a trade. He could command a return well above what the younger and significantly less established Shaw could command.
Cubs not shopping Hoerner, but taking calls anyway
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-USA TODAY Sports
Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, however, is affirming that that Cubs are not shopping Hoerner, but they’re also not shutting themselves off from offers.
Per Sharma:
“There are no indications that the Cubs are looking to move Hoerner, but other teams have come calling, and this organization won’t hang up when others ring. The Cubs will listen, and if they’re blown away, they may decide it’s the right thing to do.”
Competitively, at least for the coming season, moving Hoerner would be a blow. He is a two-time Gold Glove winner and one of the league’s elite contact hitters. He also moved into a firm leadership role last season, especially in the second half of the year and into the playoffs.
Shaw may or may not be a competent every day second baseman at the major league level, but he most definitely doesn’t bring what Hoerner brings to the field. A role as a super-utility bench piece and backup to a possibly outgoing Hoerner is what’s right for him (and the team) at the moment.
A big mistake
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) homers (1) on a fly ball to left field during the eighth inning of the National League Division Series game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday October 4, 2025 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Cubs, however, should do everything in their power to keep Hoerner from hitting the open free agent market. If anything, there should be more talk of an extension than a trade.
Also, per Sharma:
“Moving Hoerner could help the Cubs replenish a farm system that’s seen some drain over the last year-plus. It would remove nearly $12 million of salary from the payroll. These would be the reasons to make that move. But the clubhouse would feel his absence, and his teammates would likely voice their displeasure, even if they understand this is a business. And it would hurt the team in the most important category: the win column.”
Trading Hoerner would be a calculated business move that could prove to be an ugly organizational misstep. Hopefully, the Cubs stop taking the calls they’re getting.
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