IMAGE: Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) throws to first base during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field. / Patrick Gorski / Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs have been playing things close to the vest this offseason – and now, things are getting even more interesting on the North Side.

After parting ways with Kyle Tucker in free agency, the Cubs have yet to counter with a splashy signing. But instead of adding, they might be subtracting – and not just anyone. According to a report from Jon Heyman, the Cubs are listening to trade offers for second baseman Nico Hoerner.

Yes, that Nico Hoerner – the Gold Glove-caliber defender, steady contact hitter, and clubhouse leader who’s been a cornerstone of the Cubs’ infield. While this isn’t the first time his name has popped up in trade chatter – MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand floated the idea earlier – the fact that calls are being taken now adds a layer of legitimacy to the speculation.

Hoerner is entering the final year of the three-year, $35 million extension he signed back in March 2023. That alone doesn’t make him a trade chip, but it does put the Cubs in a position where they have to make a decision: extend him, trade him, or risk losing him for nothing next winter.

Feinsand laid out the logic: Hoerner’s elite glove, consistency at the plate, and leadership qualities make him a desirable piece for contending teams. But the Cubs may have some internal flexibility. Matt Shaw, one of the organization’s top infield prospects, could slide over to second base – potentially freeing up third base for a number of options still available on the market or within the system.

If the Cubs do move Hoerner, it’ll create a ripple effect across the infield. Whether Shaw takes over at second or third, the front office will need to have a clear plan for how to fill the void – both in terms of production and presence.

Hoerner isn’t just a plug-and-play guy. He’s the kind of player who brings stability to a lineup and sets the tone defensively.

And let’s be honest – this isn’t the type of move you make unless you’re confident in what’s coming next. Trading a guy like Hoerner, especially for a team with postseason aspirations, only makes sense if it’s part of a larger puzzle.

That could mean a blockbuster addition. Or it could mean a long-term bet on Shaw and the next wave of Cubs talent.

Of course, there’s still the option to keep Hoerner in Chicago beyond 2026. A contract extension remains on the table, and it’s a route that would make sense given his age, skill set, and fit with the team’s timeline.

But as it stands, the Cubs are at a bit of a crossroads. Hoerner’s future – whether it’s in Chicago or elsewhere – is suddenly one of the more intriguing storylines of the offseason. And for a team that’s been relatively quiet so far, this could be the first domino in a much bigger shift.