The trade rumors around Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner seem to have quieted down from earlier this offseason. Might a deal still happen?

Hoerner, a 27-year-old Gold Glove second baseman, was extended through the 2026 season by the Cubs a couple years ago. But with top infield prospect Matt Shaw clamoring for playing time, Hoerner looked to be on the trade block–until third baseman Isaac Paredes was shipped off instead.

If the Cubs were to trade Hoerner still, one would have to think it would be for an offensive upgrade somewhere on the infield. Shaw can also play second and first baseman Michael Busch can shift to third, so there’s flexibility with where that new infielder would play.

Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres, meanwhile, has been constantly discussed as a trade candidate this winter with his team potentially looking to shed payroll. Could the two be swapped for one another?

Recently, John Perrotto of Draft Nation proposed a deal that would ship Hoerner to the Padres for Arraez, who will make $14 million this season, and surprisingly, three other San Diego players.

“How about if Cubs trade middle infielder Nico Hoerner to the Padres for infielder Luis Arraez, right-handed reliever Jeremiah Estrada and two Class A prospects – left-hander Kash Mayfield and shortstop Cobb Hightower?” Perrotto wrote.

“The three-time batting champion Arraez could fill the hole for the Cubs vacated by Hoerner at second base. It would allow the Padres to shed his $14-million salary in order free money for the two years and $23.5 million left on Hoerner’s contract.”

It’s an interesting value proposition to think of Hoerner being worth more than Arraez alone. Sure, he racks up more slightly more WAR than Arraez and has an extra year of team control, but Arraez is a three-time batting champion and an All-Star all three years.

Arraez is a .323 career hitter, but he doesn’t walk much or hit for much power. He’s a better hitter than Hoerner, but the latter steals bases and plays fantastic defense, while the former is best off playing first base or designated hitter.

It’s an interesting trade idea, but asking San Diego to attach prospects feels overly ambitious. However, one never knows what ideas might be running through a front office’s collective brain.

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