Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox: The Surprising Trade Rumors Surrounding Nico Hoerner

In a twist that seems almost incomprehensible, Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner has been caught up in trade rumors despite his stellar performance in 2025 and his crucial role for the Cubs moving forward. The Cubs’ decision to sign Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal, securing the third base position, only adds to the intrigue. While Bregman’s arrival signals a shift in the Cubs’ infield, trading Hoerner – a Gold Glove second baseman and one of the most consistent performers in the National League last season – raises more questions than answers. Hoerner still has a year left on his contract, making it a curious decision for the Cubs to even consider parting with him.

The reality is, Hoerner’s value is undeniable. His defense has always been regarded as top-tier, and his 2025 offensive numbers saw him post some of the best figures of his career, making him an indispensable asset for Chicago. He has solidified himself as one of the best second basemen in the game, and his consistent performance last season was a key factor in the Cubs’ success. To trade him just to move Matt Shaw, a former top prospect, into a starting role at second base seems short-sighted, to say the least. Still, in the world of Major League Baseball, nothing is ever quite as simple as it appears.

The Red Sox’s Push for Hoerner

Amid this speculation, the Boston Red Sox have emerged as a team seemingly keen on acquiring Hoerner. The Red Sox were having a strong offseason, building momentum with a series of moves that appeared to put them on the right track. However, their hopes took a significant blow when Bregman signed with the Cubs. Reports suggest that Boston made a competitive five-year offer to Bregman, but their hesitation regarding a no-trade clause and Bregman’s perceived lack of other options led to their defeat in this high-stakes signing battle.

Now, with Bregman out of the picture, the Red Sox have turned their attention to other potential upgrades. Hoerner, despite not being as impactful offensively as some other second basemen, offers an intriguing mix of elite defense and an affordable deal, which makes him a desirable option for Boston. Romy Gonzalez, who has been holding down second base for the Red Sox, showed promise in 2025 with an .826 OPS. However, his defensive capabilities have often been questioned, especially when compared to a player like Hoerner, whose glove work is among the best in the game.

With Gonzalez capable of playing multiple positions, including the now-vacant third base, the Red Sox could shift him around the infield while seamlessly integrating Hoerner into their lineup. Moreover, the addition of Hoerner could also help alleviate pressure on young shortstop prospect Marcelo Mayer, who is still in the process of developing his offensive game after struggling in 2025. Hoerner’s defensive presence at second base would give Mayer more time to mature and become the player the Red Sox envision him to be in the long term.

Additionally, Boston had expressed interest in Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, but those talks fell apart, with Arizona likely keeping him for the foreseeable future. With Marte off the table, Hoerner represents a much-needed upgrade at second base. Other options, such as Brendan Donovan, also remain on the table, though the Red Sox have already traded with the Cardinals twice this offseason.

A Potential Red Sox-Cubs Trade for Hoerner

A potential trade between the Red Sox and the Cubs for Nico Hoerner would hinge on Boston’s ability to offer a valuable return package. In order to land Hoerner, the Red Sox would likely need to part with a promising young pitcher under team control, given that the Cubs would be looking for future assets. Payton Tolle, one of Boston’s top pitching prospects, could serve as the centerpiece of such a deal. Tolle’s fastball reached speeds as high as 99 MPH in 2025, with the potential to develop further through a more refined pitching arsenal.

The other pieces in the proposed trade would likely include second baseman Henry Godbout and right-handed pitcher Sadbiel Delzine, both of whom are ranked within Boston’s top-30 prospects. This package may seem steep for a player with only one year left on his contract, but the Red Sox are in urgent need of some positive momentum after losing Bregman to the Cubs. Adding Hoerner to their roster would instantly upgrade their infield defense and provide much-needed stability at second base, not to mention some solid offensive production.

Tolle, as mentioned, has become one of the most talked-about pitching prospects in the Red Sox system. Known for his electric fastball and a growing command of breaking pitches, Tolle’s development could be a major boon for any team in need of starting pitching. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he still needs to refine his overall control, particularly with his breaking pitches like the sweeper and changeup. Despite these areas of growth, Tolle remains an incredibly valuable asset, and his potential might be enough to convince the Cubs to part with their star second baseman.

Would the Cubs Make This Move?

The big question remains: would the Cubs actually pull the trigger on such a trade? On paper, this deal makes sense for both sides, but there are several key factors the Cubs would need to weigh before making such a move. For one, if Chicago believes that Hoerner is unlikely to re-sign when his contract expires, they might be more inclined to trade him for a package that could significantly improve their pitching staff.

Despite adding pitcher Edward Cabrera to their roster, the Cubs’ pitching staff remains a major area of concern. Adding a pitcher like Tolle, who is already MLB-ready, could provide Chicago with a much-needed boost on the mound. Tolle’s potential would also give the Cubs the flexibility to ease Justin Steele back into action without rushing him. As noted by baseball insider Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs would need to be “overwhelmed” by an offer to trade Hoerner, but the Red Sox might just be able to provide that kind of deal.

“The Cubs would need to be overwhelmed for Hoerner, but the Red Sox could tempt them with a package that includes a young pitcher such as Connelly Early or Payton Tolle,” Rosenthal wrote. “Of course, the Sox might consider that too high a price for one year of Hoerner. And then if Hoerner departed, it would be Alex Bregman all over again.”

In the end, this deal would carry significant risk for the Red Sox as well. If Hoerner performs well for one season and then leaves in free agency, Boston could find themselves back at square one. However, the Red Sox have a strong pipeline of young pitchers, and the emergence of top prospects like Roman Anthony has significantly accelerated their timeline for success. This move could be part of a broader strategy to quickly rebuild and make a run at the postseason.

A Tough Pill to Swallow

For both the Cubs and Red Sox, a trade involving Hoerner and Tolle would be a hard pill to swallow. The Cubs would be losing one of the best second basemen in the National League, but the acquisition of a high-potential pitcher like Tolle could provide long-term stability for their pitching staff. Meanwhile, the Red Sox would be parting with an exciting young arm in Tolle, but they would be addressing a pressing need at second base and upgrading their defense significantly.

Ultimately, both teams have their reasons for considering this move, but it remains to be seen whether the deal will materialize. It’s a high-stakes situation for both franchises, and it will be fascinating to see how it plays out as we move deeper into the offseason. For now, Hoerner’s future in Chicago is uncertain, and the Red Sox will continue to weigh their options in a race to improve their roster for the 2026 season.