{"id":136062,"date":"2026-01-07T15:06:28","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T15:06:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=136062"},"modified":"2026-01-07T15:06:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T15:06:28","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-mlb-insight-why-do-nico-hoerner-trade-rumors-keep-popping-up-cubs-fans-are-wondering-whats-behind-the-constant-speculation-could-the-cubs-be-looking-to-move-one-of-th","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=136062","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 MLB INSIGHT: Why Do Nico Hoerner Trade Rumors Keep Popping Up? Cubs Fans Are Wondering What\u2019s Behind the Constant Speculation \u2014 Could the Cubs Be Looking to Move One of Their Young Stars, or Is It Just Media Noise? Fans Are Eager for Answers! \ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"86\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"86\">\ud83d\udea8 Cubs Offseason Questions: Navigating Free Agency, Trades, and Team Decisions \ud83d\udc47<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"86\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2025\/09\/30213216\/GettyImages-2238399562.jpg\" alt=\"Why do Nico Hoerner trade rumors keep popping up? Cubs mailbag - The  Athletic\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"88\" data-end=\"602\">The <strong data-start=\"92\" data-end=\"108\">Chicago Cubs<\/strong> enter <strong data-start=\"115\" data-end=\"123\">2026<\/strong> with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. While they\u2019ve built a competitive roster with enough quality position players to field a solid lineup, there are still many decisions to be made this offseason, particularly regarding their pitching staff and key players like <strong data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"406\">Nico Hoerner<\/strong>. The Cubs have spent time rebuilding their bullpen, but questions remain about their rotation options, the future of Hoerner, and the team\u2019s ongoing reluctance to use deferred money in contracts.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"693\">Here\u2019s an in-depth look at some of the biggest questions surrounding the Cubs\u2019 offseason:<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"760\"><strong data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"760\">Why Does the Idea of Trading Nico Hoerner Keep Coming Up?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"1366\">One of the most baffling and persistent rumors surrounding the <strong data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"841\">Chicago Cubs<\/strong> this offseason has been the idea of trading <strong data-start=\"886\" data-end=\"902\">Nico Hoerner<\/strong>. While fans and players alike have expressed disbelief over this topic, the reality is that <strong data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1025\">Hoerner\u2019s contract expires<\/strong> after this season. The Cubs\u2019 front office is known for valuing <strong data-start=\"1089\" data-end=\"1116\">pre-arbitration players<\/strong> and finding the best value in trade discussions. In a system where no player is off-limits, the potential for a trade becomes more likely when a player is approaching free agency, especially if they\u2019re coming off a career-high season, as Hoerner is.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1368\" data-end=\"1899\">Hoerner\u2019s defense, base-running ability, and high-contact hitting make him an incredibly valuable asset to the Cubs. However, his <strong data-start=\"1498\" data-end=\"1515\">lack of power<\/strong> keeps him from being viewed as a true star, which slightly diminishes his trade value despite his impressive all-around skills. With <strong data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1666\">Hoerner\u2019s WAR<\/strong> at <strong data-start=\"1670\" data-end=\"1677\">4.8<\/strong> in 2025, the Cubs may see this as the perfect time to trade him at his highest value, but the <strong data-start=\"1772\" data-end=\"1803\">chances of him being traded<\/strong> remain low unless the Cubs make a major move and bring in another player like <strong data-start=\"1882\" data-end=\"1898\">Alex Bregman<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1901\" data-end=\"1961\"><strong data-start=\"1905\" data-end=\"1961\">Why is the Cubs Organization Against Deferred Money?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"2485\">The Cubs have been somewhat resistant to using <strong data-start=\"2010\" data-end=\"2028\">deferred money<\/strong> as part of their financial strategy, especially when compared to other teams in big markets. Deferred money, used by teams like the <strong data-start=\"2161\" data-end=\"2184\">Los Angeles Dodgers<\/strong> to secure deals for players like <strong data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2235\">Shohei Ohtani<\/strong>, has been instrumental for some teams in making big signings without taking a massive immediate financial hit. The Cubs, however, have a <strong data-start=\"2373\" data-end=\"2398\">conservative approach<\/strong> to team-building and ownership prefers maintaining <strong data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2465\">flexibility<\/strong> for future seasons.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2487\" data-end=\"2926\">While the Cubs have used <strong data-start=\"2512\" data-end=\"2530\">deferred money<\/strong> in the past, notably with <strong data-start=\"2557\" data-end=\"2571\">Jon Lester<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"2576\" data-end=\"2593\">Jason Heyward<\/strong> during their World Series run in <strong data-start=\"2627\" data-end=\"2635\">2016<\/strong>, their post-championship approach focuses on <strong data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"2699\">sustainability<\/strong> rather than going all-in for one season. The Cubs want to avoid taking away resources from future teams, which could explain why they\u2019ve avoided the heavy use of deferred contracts that some other top franchises have embraced.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2928\" data-end=\"2982\"><strong data-start=\"2932\" data-end=\"2982\">The Cubs\u2019 Bench Construction: What\u2019s the Plan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2984\" data-end=\"3459\">With the potential for <strong data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3020\">Matt Shaw<\/strong> to take on a <strong data-start=\"3034\" data-end=\"3056\">super-utility role<\/strong>, the Cubs are working to bolster their <strong data-start=\"3096\" data-end=\"3105\">bench<\/strong> for the 2026 season. The Cubs are already looking at a few low-cost options to strengthen their roster, such as adding <strong data-start=\"3225\" data-end=\"3241\">Tyler Austin<\/strong>, a former <strong data-start=\"3252\" data-end=\"3263\">Yankees<\/strong> player who spent the past few years playing in Japan. Austin posted an <strong data-start=\"3335\" data-end=\"3347\">.834 OPS<\/strong> with the <strong data-start=\"3357\" data-end=\"3378\">Yokohama BayStars<\/strong> in 2025 and could provide some depth as a <strong data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3444\">right-handed hitter<\/strong> off the bench.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3461\" data-end=\"3897\">The Cubs are also considering <strong data-start=\"3491\" data-end=\"3509\">three catchers<\/strong> for their <strong data-start=\"3520\" data-end=\"3542\">Opening Day roster<\/strong>, given their glut of young position players at the <strong data-start=\"3594\" data-end=\"3606\">Triple-A<\/strong> level. Players like <strong data-start=\"3627\" data-end=\"3643\">Willi Castro<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"3648\" data-end=\"3665\">Rob Refsnyder<\/strong>\u2014who was recently signed by the <strong data-start=\"3697\" data-end=\"3717\">Seattle Mariners<\/strong>\u2014have been floated as potential bench pieces, but the challenge remains in <strong data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3820\">recruiting bench players<\/strong> who will accept limited playing time and are not guaranteed regular at-bats.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3899\" data-end=\"3969\"><strong data-start=\"3903\" data-end=\"3969\">What Happened to Kevin Alc\u00e1ntara, and What\u2019s His Role in 2026?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3971\" data-end=\"4395\"><strong data-start=\"3971\" data-end=\"3990\">Kevin Alc\u00e1ntara<\/strong>, once considered a top-100 prospect, had a bit of a setback in <strong data-start=\"4054\" data-end=\"4062\">2025<\/strong> due to <strong data-start=\"4070\" data-end=\"4086\">core surgery<\/strong>. It\u2019s unclear how much that injury held him back during the season, but he is expected to be <strong data-start=\"4180\" data-end=\"4199\">fully recovered<\/strong> by <strong data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4222\">spring training<\/strong> in 2026. Alc\u00e1ntara has always been known for his <strong data-start=\"4272\" data-end=\"4293\">defensive ability<\/strong>, particularly in <strong data-start=\"4311\" data-end=\"4327\">center field<\/strong>, where he is at least an average defender and possibly a plus one.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3971\" data-end=\"4395\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1TFKFN.img?w=912&amp;h=513&amp;m=4&amp;q=64\" alt=\"Nico Hoerner trade rumors just won't go away thanks to obsessed AL East  contender\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4397\" data-end=\"4807\">His offensive potential is <strong data-start=\"4424\" data-end=\"4435\">immense<\/strong>, but Alc\u00e1ntara has been inconsistent, and his <strong data-start=\"4482\" data-end=\"4506\">lack of playing time<\/strong> in 2025 is a reflection of the Cubs&#8217; relatively healthy outfield and their focus on <strong data-start=\"4591\" data-end=\"4614\">Pete Crow-Armstrong<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"4619\" data-end=\"4631\">Ian Happ<\/strong>. Alc\u00e1ntara will need to find <strong data-start=\"4661\" data-end=\"4676\">consistency<\/strong> in his game to have a chance to contribute in the majors, but whether that\u2019s with the Cubs or in a trade remains an open question.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4809\" data-end=\"4868\"><strong data-start=\"4813\" data-end=\"4868\">Could the Cubs Be in the Running for Tyler Glasnow?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4870\" data-end=\"5349\">The Cubs were reportedly involved in <strong data-start=\"4907\" data-end=\"4922\">trade talks<\/strong> for <strong data-start=\"4927\" data-end=\"4944\">Tyler Glasnow<\/strong> before the <strong data-start=\"4956\" data-end=\"4974\">Tampa Bay Rays<\/strong> agreed to send him to the <strong data-start=\"5001\" data-end=\"5024\">Los Angeles Dodgers<\/strong> in a <strong data-start=\"5030\" data-end=\"5078\">five-year, $136.5 million contract extension<\/strong>. The Cubs have shown interest in adding a <strong data-start=\"5121\" data-end=\"5151\">frontline starting pitcher<\/strong>, but they\u2019re reluctant to give up top prospects like <strong data-start=\"5205\" data-end=\"5222\">Jaxon Wiggins<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"5226\" data-end=\"5241\">Cade Horton<\/strong>. The team faces a dilemma: how to improve their rotation without parting with their <strong data-start=\"5326\" data-end=\"5348\">elite young talent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5351\" data-end=\"5651\">While the Cubs have reportedly discussed <strong data-start=\"5392\" data-end=\"5404\">Ian Happ<\/strong> in potential trades for starting pitchers, <strong data-start=\"5448\" data-end=\"5474\">Happ\u2019s no-trade clause<\/strong> makes it unlikely he would be dealt. However, if the Cubs are serious about landing a <strong data-start=\"5561\" data-end=\"5577\">star pitcher<\/strong>, they will have to balance <strong data-start=\"5605\" data-end=\"5625\">long-term growth<\/strong> with <strong data-start=\"5631\" data-end=\"5650\">immediate needs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5653\" data-end=\"5713\"><strong data-start=\"5657\" data-end=\"5713\">Jaxon Wiggins: Is He Ready for the Big League Stage?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5715\" data-end=\"6178\">The Cubs are high on <strong data-start=\"5736\" data-end=\"5753\">Jaxon Wiggins<\/strong> and see him as a potential contributor in <strong data-start=\"5796\" data-end=\"5804\">2026<\/strong>. However, the most likely scenario is for Wiggins to start the season in the <strong data-start=\"5882\" data-end=\"5892\">minors<\/strong> and continue to develop before making an appearance in the <strong data-start=\"5952\" data-end=\"5969\">major leagues<\/strong>. The Cubs are looking for opportunities to add depth in the rotation and bullpen, and if <strong data-start=\"6059\" data-end=\"6070\">Wiggins<\/strong> stays healthy and improves his command, he could earn a role as a <strong data-start=\"6137\" data-end=\"6155\">valuable piece<\/strong> of the pitching staff.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6180\" data-end=\"6245\"><strong data-start=\"6184\" data-end=\"6245\">The Future of Pete Crow-Armstrong: A Long-Term Cubs Star?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6247\" data-end=\"6703\"><strong data-start=\"6247\" data-end=\"6270\">Pete Crow-Armstrong<\/strong> remains the Cubs\u2019 <strong data-start=\"6289\" data-end=\"6312\">most valuable asset<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"6318\" data-end=\"6352\">long-term contract discussions<\/strong> are expected to ramp up in the near future. Crow-Armstrong\u2019s development as a <strong data-start=\"6431\" data-end=\"6468\">Gold Glove-caliber center fielder<\/strong> and offensive weapon makes him the face of the franchise moving forward. His potential to be with the Cubs for the next decade has the front office engaged in contract talks, and the team is keen on locking him down for the long haul.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6705\" data-end=\"6941\">As <strong data-start=\"6708\" data-end=\"6726\">Crow-Armstrong<\/strong> continues to develop into one of the top young players in baseball, the Cubs will look to extend him before he becomes a free agent in 2030. He could very well be the centerpiece of the team for many years to come.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6943\" data-end=\"6996\"><strong data-start=\"6947\" data-end=\"6996\">Conclusion: A Critical Offseason for the Cubs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6998\" data-end=\"7311\">As the Cubs head into <strong data-start=\"7020\" data-end=\"7028\">2026<\/strong>, the team faces critical decisions on the <strong data-start=\"7071\" data-end=\"7081\">roster<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"7083\" data-end=\"7099\">trade market<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"7105\" data-end=\"7121\">young talent<\/strong> development. While the Cubs have shown a willingness to make moves in free agency and trades, they\u2019ve also been cautious about taking risks that could affect the team\u2019s future flexibility.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6998\" data-end=\"7311\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_817,y_160,w_1806,h_1015\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/inside_the_cubs\/01kdpjza908rv61rqqht.jpg\" alt=\"Nico Hoerner Responds To Cubs Trade Rumors With Surprising Honesty\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7313\" data-end=\"7769\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">With a potential <strong data-start=\"7330\" data-end=\"7344\">big splash<\/strong> still on the horizon, the Cubs\u2019 offseason is far from over. Whether it\u2019s landing a key free agent like <strong data-start=\"7448\" data-end=\"7464\">Alex Bregman<\/strong> or making a trade for a frontline pitcher, the front office will need to balance <strong data-start=\"7546\" data-end=\"7571\">immediate improvement<\/strong> with the <strong data-start=\"7581\" data-end=\"7601\">long-term health<\/strong> of the organization. The next few months will determine whether the Cubs can take the next step toward contention or whether they\u2019ll need to reevaluate their approach.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\ud83d\udea8 Cubs Offseason Questions: Navigating Free Agency, Trades, and Team Decisions \ud83d\udc47 The Chicago Cubs enter 2026 with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. While they\u2019ve built&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":136064,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-136062","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>\ud83d\udea8 MLB INSIGHT: Why Do Nico Hoerner Trade Rumors Keep Popping Up? Cubs Fans Are Wondering What\u2019s Behind the Constant Speculation \u2014 Could the Cubs Be Looking to Move One of Their Young Stars, or Is It Just Media Noise? 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Cubs Fans Are Wondering What\u2019s Behind the Constant Speculation \u2014 Could the Cubs Be Looking to Move One of Their Young Stars, or Is It Just Media Noise? Fans Are Eager for Answers! \ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=136062","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"\ud83d\udea8 MLB INSIGHT: Why Do Nico Hoerner Trade Rumors Keep Popping Up? Cubs Fans Are Wondering What\u2019s Behind the Constant Speculation \u2014 Could the Cubs Be Looking to Move One of Their Young Stars, or Is It Just Media Noise? Fans Are Eager for Answers! \ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA","og_description":"\ud83d\udea8 Cubs Offseason Questions: Navigating Free Agency, Trades, and Team Decisions \ud83d\udc47 The Chicago Cubs enter 2026 with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. 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