Despite outside interest following the Alex Bregman signing, the Cubs have no plans to move Nico Hoerner ahead of the 2026 season.
Reported interest from contending teams in a potential trade for Nico Hoerner has had Chicago Cubs fans on edge.
Ever since the Cubs agreed to a free-agent contract with third baseman Alex Bregman—giving the organization an abundance of infield talent—speculation has grown that Chicago could move on from its veteran second baseman.
Hoerner’s contract expires after the 2026 season, at which point he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. And if the Cubs fully believe in Matt Shaw’s long-term future like they say, bringing Hoerner back on a new deal may not ultimately be in the cards.
That reality is why teams have checked in on Hoerner’s availability. It can't hurt to ask, right?
But according to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Hoerner isn’t going anywhere.
Nightengale reported this week that the Cubs do not intend to trade Hoerner. Instead, Shaw is expected to be the odd man out—splitting time between the minor leagues and a super-utility role at the major-league level.
Hoerner was asked about the benefits of more built-in rest during the regular season with Shaw on the roster while speaking at the 2026 Cubs Convention. Even then, it wasn’t an idea he seemed particularly fond of.
Hoerner emphasized that he needs to play every day to find and maintain his rhythm. He's made a habit of getting better as the season goes on.
So no, Hoerner does not want to sit for Matt Shaw, nor does he want to be traded. And that stance is right in line with fan sentiment.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Cubs fan rooting for Hoerner to be dealt before Opening Day.
The focus of this team should be on winning the NL Central and making a legitimate push for the World Series. While the Cubs currently sit as division favorites—with an over/under win total of 88.5—there’s no room for complacency.
The Cubs would be a significantly worse team in 2026 if they traded Nico Hoerner. He lengthens the lineup, provides lights out defense up the middle, and balled out with a .419 batting average in the first postseason of his career.
There’s simply no justification for trading him if the Cubs are serious about winning.
Fortunately, Nightengale delivered news that should help Cubs fans rest a little easier as the offseason winds down. Chicago appears to be done making major moves—both in free agency and on the trade market.
Nico Hoerner, at least for this season, will remain a Chicago Cub. What happens beyond that, once free agency arrives, is an entirely different conversation.