🔥 EXCLUSIVE: Cubs eyeing All-Star infielder as trade pressure heats up! With the infield roster facing critical decisions, the Cubs are making moves to strengthen their lineup for the postseason. Could this be the game-changing trade fans have been waiting for? Find out now 👇
🚨GAME CHANGER: Chicago Cubs Could Shake Up Infield with Bo Bichette – What’s Next for Nico Hoerner?
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly checking in on free-agent infielder Bo Bichette, a move that could spark a major infield shakeup for the team, especially if they choose to move on from Nico Hoerner or fail to land another target in free agency. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, this development is something to watch closely, as it could lead to significant decisions regarding the Cubs’ infield setup moving forward.
Cubs Enter the Growing Bo Bichette Market
While Bichette’s market had been relatively quiet and mostly tied to AL East suitors, such as the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, the Cubs have now joined the mix. The Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are also reportedly showing interest, placing Bichette in a growing group of contenders for his services.
For the Cubs, the positional fit is key. Bichette, a two-time All-Star, has primarily played shortstop but has also begun to show some positional flexibility. This is particularly relevant as teams question whether he might need to transition off shortstop due to defensive struggles, including a poor performance in Outs Above Average (OAA), where he ranked in the first percentile in 2025, according to Baseball Savant.
What Bichette’s Potential Arrival Means for the Cubs’ Infield
The Cubs’ current infield setup seems stable on paper. Dansby Swanson is locked in at shortstop, and Nico Hoerner is a key part of the second base position. However, rumors surrounding Hoerner’s trade interest are making the Bichette pursuit more intriguing. If the Cubs choose to move Hoerner, they could open a spot for Bichette at second base, where he has already taken real-game reps—including during the 2025 World Series.
The key question is whether the Cubs are committed to Hoerner long-term. The three-year, $35 million extension he signed keeps him under contract through 2026. If the Cubs have doubts about his future, trading Hoerner for pitching or other needs could be a viable option, and that would make room for Bichette at second.
If the Cubs do clear second base, Bichette has indicated openness to playing the position, which could offer a way to maximize his offensive potential while protecting him defensively.
Third Base: Another Possibility for Bichette
In addition to second base, the Cubs could explore third base as another potential fit for Bichette. If they miss out on their primary pursuit of Alex Bregman, Bichette could be framed as a solid alternative to upgrade the lineup. Although he has never played third in the majors, the Cubs may view him as a viable option to add offensive firepower to a lineup that still has room for improvement.
The Cubs’ options are clear: pursue Bregman as their top target, or pivot to Bichette if the former doesn’t pan out. The flexibility in roster construction is key, as Bichette could contribute in multiple ways.
Why This Matters Right Now: Key Details to Watch
While the Cubs’ interest in Bichette is currently at the “check-in” stage, it’s often a precursor to something bigger. If trade discussions around Hoerner intensify or if the Cubs come up short in their pursuit of Bregman, the Bichette-to-Cubs rumors are likely to heat up fast, as the team’s infield needs will become much clearer.
Here are the key details to watch:
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Hoerner’s Contract: He’s controllable through 2026 on a three-year, $35 million deal, which puts him in prime trade territory.
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Bichette’s Positional Flexibility: He’s already taken real-game reps at second base, including during a high-pressure moment in the 2025 World Series.
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Defensive Concerns: Despite his offensive prowess, Bichette’s defensive metrics at shortstop remain a concern, making the discussion about his position a significant part of the conversation.
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The Cubs’ Plan A and B: The Cubs’ plan appears to be a two-track approach—Bregman as their top priority, and Bichette as a potential fallback.
What’s Next?
Expect the Bichette-to-Cubs noise to get louder quickly if Hoerner’s trade chatter heats up or if Bregman lands elsewhere. The Cubs have positioned themselves as serious players in this free-agent market, and it could lead to a pivotal decision in their infield for years to come. With multiple positional fits available, Bichette could be the perfect solution to bolster the Cubs’ lineup, whether at second base or third.
Keep an eye on this developing story, as it could be the next major piece in the Cubs’ 2026 roster reshaping.