WILD BRAVES TRADE IDEA SENDS AWAY $45 MILLION ARM FOR CUBS’ NICO HOERNER

By TJ French

The Atlanta Braves are enjoying a solid offseason thus far, dedicating over $60 million to bolster their bullpen. This started with a key re-signing of Raisel Iglesias, followed by a potentially game-changing acquisition in Robert Suarez, who joined the team on a three-year, $45 million deal. These moves are designed to ensure Atlanta’s bullpen issues are a thing of the past heading into the 2026 season.

However, an intriguing (and perhaps unexpected) hypothetical trade idea has emerged, which suggests that Robert Suarez might soon become a trade asset for the Braves. The reason? With Ha-Seong Kim sidelined due to a significant hand injury, could the Braves pursue a trade for Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner?

This bold idea was recently explored by Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, who speculated that Suarez could be the piece Atlanta uses to land Hoerner in a deal that could address their immediate need for a middle infielder.

Could Robert Suarez Become a Trade Chip?

Robert Suarez’s $45 million price tag was one of the most significant investments for the Braves this offseason. The signing was seen as a crucial move to ensure that the Braves’ bullpen would be solidified heading into 2026. Suarez’s dominant presence in the late innings was expected to be a major asset, offering the Braves both depth and reliability.

Yet, after Kim’s injury—which is expected to keep him out for months—the Braves are suddenly facing a critical gap at second base and shortstop. While Atlanta bolstered their infield by acquiring Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo earlier in the offseason, neither of those players can fully replace Kim’s expected impact. This has led some to speculate that the Braves might consider shaking things up by moving a high-value asset like Suarez to address their infield needs.

In a trade scenario, the Braves would likely target someone like Nico Hoerner, an established middle infielder who could step in immediately and provide stability. While it’s an intriguing idea, the question remains: is trading away Suarez, who is one of the Braves’ top offseason signings, the right move?

Why Would the Cubs Be Interested in Suarez?

The idea of the Braves dealing Suarez to the Cubs centers around Chicago’s long-standing closer problem. The Cubs have struggled in recent years to find consistency in their bullpen, and their closer position remains one of the most pressing concerns heading into the 2026 season.

Hoerner, who played an essential role in the Cubs’ infield last season, has also been mentioned in various trade rumors this offseason. With the Cubs in rebuilding mode, the idea of acquiring an established closer like Suarez could be seen as a way to strengthen their bullpen and compete in the NL Central. A deal that sends Suarez to Chicago could provide both teams with a fresh start in areas they need the most: a reliable middle infielder for the Braves and a closer for the Cubs.

That said, the Cubs’ lack of a clear closer means that trading Hoerner, one of their most valuable players, would need to be done cautiously. The Cubs will likely have to weigh the potential long-term benefits of moving Hoerner against the immediate impact a solid closer could bring.

Does the Trade Make Sense for the Braves?

For the Braves, the need for a shortstop or second baseman is undeniable after Kim’s injury. Hoerner is a talented, young infielder who has the ability to step in and make an immediate impact. His versatility and strong bat would provide the Braves with much-needed depth and flexibility in their infield.

In 2025, Hoerner played a pivotal role for the Cubs, hitting .295 with 14 home runs and 65 RBIs. He’s not just a steady presence defensively but can also contribute offensively, something the Braves would benefit from in the absence of Kim. With Hoerner, the Braves would immediately improve their infield while waiting for Kim’s eventual return.

However, giving up Suarez, who represents the Braves’ biggest offseason signing in terms of contract value, could be seen as a risky move. After all, the Braves invested heavily in his ability to close games and provide depth in the bullpen. Trading Suarez so early in the contract could backfire, leaving Atlanta with a hole in their relief corps and leaving them exposed in critical moments of the season. While the trade makes sense from a positional standpoint, the Braves might be reluctant to part with a key player who could be instrumental in their success this season.

Why Might the Braves Hesitate?

Despite the need for a middle infielder, the Braves’ front office, led by general manager Alex Anthopoulos, has traditionally been cautious with their big-money signings. Moving Suarez so soon after locking him up for three years would be a significant departure from their usual approach. Given that they have yet to fully see what they have in Suarez, the Braves may want to give him a chance to prove his worth before making such a dramatic move.

Moreover, while Hoerner is a solid option at shortstop or second base, it’s important to consider the long-term implications of trading away a $45 million arm. The Braves may feel that the depth they have in the bullpen, combined with the addition of Dubon and Mateo, is enough to weather Kim’s absence without trading away such a key asset.

The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake for Both Teams?

The potential trade between the Braves and Cubs would be a bold move for both teams. For the Cubs, adding a veteran closer like Suarez could dramatically improve their bullpen and make them more competitive in 2026. For the Braves, Hoerner would fill an immediate need at shortstop, but moving Suarez could have ripple effects throughout their bullpen.

In the end, it’s clear that both teams have areas they need to address, and a trade like this could be a win for both sides. However, the Braves would need to be certain that Hoerner is the right fit for their roster and that the cost of moving Suarez is worth it in the long run. With spring training on the horizon, it’s possible that Atlanta will continue exploring other trade possibilities as they assess their options.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Braves?

As the 2026 season approaches, the Braves will need to make a decision on how to handle their infield situation. While a trade for Hoerner is an intriguing possibility, the team may ultimately choose to keep Suarez and continue looking for other solutions. With the offseason winding down, it’s clear that the Braves are committed to making the right moves to get back into contention for the postseason.

Stay tuned as the Braves continue to evaluate their roster and decide whether to pull the trigger on a trade or stay the course with their current setup.