The Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract, and it changed the entire picture of their lineup.

Prior to that, it looked like Matt Shaw would start at third base with Nico Hoerner at second base.

Bregman is a third baseman, though, so something has to give.

Bregman will play third. Where does Shaw go? Does Hoerner get moved?

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The free agent deal has put Hoerner in a number of trade rumors, even as he comes off the best season of his NHL career.

Now, though, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand thinks a contract extension could be in play rather than a trade.

“The Cubs extended Hoerner on a three-year, $35 million deal in March 2023, buying out his final two years of arbitration and his first year of free agency in the process,” Feinsand wrote in a new article on Thursday. “The signing of Alex Bregman this winter shifted Matt Shaw into a utility role, potentially setting him up to take over for Hoerner a year from now, but Hoerner is a proven commodity coming off of his best season (6.2 bWAR in 156 games). The Cubs could look to extend Hoerner again, especially if they like the idea of Shaw moving around the diamond.”

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Hoerner could likely fetch something solid in a trade, potentially another pitcher. Shaw could also have his own trade value, given his youth and recent status as a high-ranking prospect.

Chicago could also stand pat, though, and find ways to use both Shaw and Hoerner. It’s an option worth considering, especially given the way Hoerner seems to be appreciated in the clubhouse.

The Cubs likely don’t have to rush here, and so it’ll be fascinating to see what they decide in the end.

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