Could Nico Hoerner be on the move? Cubs' pursuit of top free agents sparks trade speculation, creating a surprising possibility for their star infielder.
There have been plenty of reports surrounding the Chicago Cubs recently.
The biggest one is their interest in several top free agents. The Cubs have been linked to Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger in recent weeks. They are also reportedly interested in trading for Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera.
It makes sense that the Cubs are showing interest in some of the top available players in free agency. Chicago still needs to add an impactful bat to its lineup, and getting Bregman or Bichette would immediately solve that need.
But getting either Bregman or Bichette in free agency could make Nico Hoerner more expendable in trade talks.
According to various reports, the Cubs have been listening on Hoerner this offseason. Jon Heyman of the New York Post said last week that the team is “fielding inquiries” on their star second baseman, and insider Jim Bowden has heard Hoerner being linked to the Yankees.
It’s hard to imagine the Cubs actually trading away Hoerner this winter. He was arguably the team’s best player in 2025 and affects the game in all aspects. Hoerner hit .297 with seven home runs, 29 doubles, 61 RBI, and 29 stolen bases while playing Gold Glove defense at second.
However, if the Cubs do land either Bregman or Bichette, there’s definitely a higher chance that Hoerner could be traded. While the odds would remain low, Chicago might be more willing to trade him ahead of a contract year.
Signing Bregman/Bichette would likely mean the team would have two $140+ million contracts on its current payroll. That’s assuming the Cubs give them that much money. That could mean Hoerner is more likely to be traded since Chicago might not be able to pay him.
Jordan Bastian of MLB.com also hinted at that possibility when talking about Bregman in a recent story on the site.
“Shaw or Hoerner could be trade candidates, or Shaw could shift into a super-sub role, helping create a contingency plan for second base if Hoerner is not extended,” Bastian wrote.
There have certainly been more reports regarding Hoerner in recent weeks. Teams are likely calling the Cubs to see if there is a possibility they will trade him away. The front office is obviously listening, which is why his name continues to pop up in rumors.
At the end of the day, though, the Cubs would need a massive offer to even think about dealing away their most valuable player from a season ago. So, it’s more than likely that he remains in the Windy City.
Nevertheless, that could change if the team acquires Bregman or Bichette. The front office might not have the money to keep him past the 2026 season, and the Cubs probably don’t want to limit Shaw’s plate appearances as he continues developing.