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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<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Yes, that Nico Hoerner – the Gold Glove-caliber defender, steady contact hitter, and clubhouse leader who\u2019s been a cornerstone of the Cubs\u2019 infield. While this isn\u2019t the first time his name has popped up in trade chatter – MLB.com\u2019s Mark Feinsand floated the idea earlier – the fact that calls are being taken now adds a layer of legitimacy to the speculation.<\/p>\n
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Hoerner is entering the final year of the three-year, $35 million extension he signed back in March 2023. That alone doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Feinsand laid out the logic: Hoerner\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
If the Cubs do move Hoerner, it\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
Hoerner isn\u2019t just a plug-and-play guy. He\u2019s the kind of player who brings stability to a lineup and sets the tone defensively.<\/p>\n
And let\u2019s be honest – this isn\u2019t the type of move you make unless you\u2019re confident in what\u2019s coming next. Trading a guy like Hoerner, especially for a team with postseason aspirations, only makes sense if it\u2019s part of a larger puzzle.<\/p>\n
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That could mean a blockbuster addition. Or it could mean a long-term bet on Shaw and the next wave of Cubs talent.<\/p>\n
Of course, there\u2019s still the option to keep Hoerner in Chicago beyond 2026. A contract extension remains on the table, and it\u2019s a route that would make sense given his age, skill set, and fit with the team\u2019s timeline.<\/p>\n
But as it stands, the Cubs are at a bit of a crossroads. Hoerner\u2019s future – whether it\u2019s in Chicago or elsewhere – is suddenly one of the more intriguing storylines of the offseason. And for a team that\u2019s been relatively quiet so far, this could be the first domino in a much bigger shift.<\/p>\n
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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… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":133893,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-133899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n