![\"Bregman](\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/nico-hoerner-dansby-swanson-e1768110806715.jpg?quality=65&strip=all&w=780\")
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The Chicago Cubs have emerged as the clear winners of the Alex Bregman sweepstakes, finalizing a blockbuster five year, 175 million dollar agreement that instantly reshapes the balance of power within the National League Central.<\/p>\n
When paired with the recent trade for right handed starter Edward Cabrera, the Cubs\u2019 aggressive offseason approach signals a franchise fully committed to winning now, with the explicit goal of capturing their first division title since 2017.<\/p>\n
Bregman\u2019s arrival cements third base for the foreseeable future, providing Chicago with a veteran cornerstone who brings postseason experience, offensive stability, and elite defensive instincts at a premium position.<\/p>\n
However, this signing also triggers a ripple effect across the Cubs\u2019 infield, most notably impacting young infielder Matt Shaw, who now finds himself without a clear path to everyday playing time.<\/p>\n
Shaw spent the 2025 season as Chicago\u2019s primary third baseman after the organization traded Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith to the Houston Astros in the high profile Kyle Tucker deal.<\/p>\n
Originally developed as a middle infielder, Shaw transitioned to the hot corner out of necessity rather than long term design, handling the role competently while continuing to refine his offensive approach.<\/p>\n
With Bregman now entrenched at third base, Shaw\u2019s positional flexibility becomes both an asset and a complication, particularly given the current construction of the Cubs\u2019 infield.<\/p>\n
Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Busch occupy the remaining three infield positions, and all three players started at least 155 games during the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
That level of durability and consistency makes it highly unlikely that Chicago would shift to a heavy rotation model or deploy Shaw as a full time super utility infielder.<\/p>\n
As a result, the Cubs now face a genuine infield logjam, one that forces difficult decisions about roster optimization, player development, and long term organizational priorities.<\/p>\n
At the center of that dilemma lies second base, where Nico Hoerner\u2019s presence presents both tremendous value and a potential opportunity to reshape the roster.<\/p>\n
The Cubs must now decide whether to demote or trade a young, controllable talent in Shaw, or move on from a franchise stalwart in Hoerner who has been central to their recent success.<\/p>\n
That choice will speak volumes about Chicago\u2019s strategic direction, revealing whether the front office prioritizes maximizing the immediate competitive window or sustaining success over the next half decade.<\/p>\n
From a market standpoint, this offseason represents the optimal time for the Cubs to consider selling high on Hoerner\u2019s value.<\/p>\n
Hoerner is entering the final year of a three year extension he signed in 2023, and his 12 million dollar salary for the 2026 season remains one of the best bargains in baseball.<\/p>\n
![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2026%2F0110%2Fmlb_alex_bregman_cubs_new_16x9.jpg\")
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Selected 24th overall in the 2018 MLB Draft out of Stanford University, Hoerner quickly established himself as one of the organization\u2019s most reliable homegrown players.<\/p>\n
He made his major league debut just one year after being drafted, showcasing advanced defensive instincts and a polished approach that belied his limited professional experience.<\/p>\n
While Hoerner initially came up as a shortstop, he has spent the majority of his career at second base, where his range, footwork, and arm strength have flourished.<\/p>\n
Since 2023, Hoerner and Dansby Swanson have formed arguably the best defensive middle infield pairing in Major League Baseball.<\/p>\n
Their chemistry has elevated Chicago\u2019s run prevention, turning routine ground balls into outs and providing pitchers with confidence to attack the strike zone aggressively.<\/p>\n
Over the past three seasons, Hoerner ranks second in Wins Above Replacement among second basemen, trailing only Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte.<\/p>\n
Unlike Marte, Hoerner does not rely on elite power, instead generating value through elite defense, efficient baserunning, and consistent contact at the plate.<\/p>\n
His resume includes two Gold Glove Awards at second base, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most dependable defenders at the position.<\/p>\n
Although Hoerner is not an elite offensive force, his bat remains comfortably above replacement level, particularly when paired with his defensive contributions.<\/p>\n
The 2025 season marked the best offensive campaign of Hoerner\u2019s career, as he posted a .297 .345 .394 slash line with a 114 OPS plus.<\/p>\n
He narrowly edged Marte in FanGraphs WAR that year, finishing with a 4.8 mark compared to Marte\u2019s 4.6, further underscoring his all around impact.<\/p>\n
That performance arrives at an ideal time for Chicago if they choose to explore the trade market, as teams are increasingly valuing middle infield defense and contact oriented hitters.<\/p>\n
With Bo Bichette expected to command a massive long term contract this offseason, Hoerner represents a more affordable alternative for clubs seeking an upgrade up the middle.<\/p>\n
His contract structure also makes him appealing to smaller market teams, as acquiring Hoerner would not require the same long term financial commitment.<\/p>\n
Additionally, a team trading for Hoerner would retain the option to extend him or issue a qualifying offer following the 2026 season, further enhancing his value.<\/p>\n
From Chicago\u2019s perspective, moving Hoerner could allow the organization to extract meaningful long term assets while opening second base for Matt Shaw.<\/p>\n
Shaw, still early in his development curve, offers upside and team control that aligns well with a longer competitive horizon.<\/p>\n
Sliding Shaw into second base on a permanent basis could provide Chicago with a younger, cheaper infield core while reallocating resources elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Of course, such a move would come at the cost of leadership, stability, and elite defense that Hoerner has provided for years.<\/p>\n
That emotional and competitive trade off is precisely what makes this decision potentially franchise defining.<\/p>\n
As for potential trade destinations, the most logical suitors for Hoerner are teams that missed out on Ketel Marte.<\/p>\n
The Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Tampa Bay Rays were all heavily linked to Marte and remain in need of middle infield upgrades.<\/p>\n
The San Francisco Giants could also emerge as a dark horse candidate, given their ongoing search for stability and leadership in the infield.<\/p>\n
For those teams, Hoerner offers many of the same benefits as Marte at a fraction of the cost, albeit without the same offensive ceiling.<\/p>\n
Because Hoerner is under contract for only one more season, the acquisition cost in terms of prospects would be significantly lower.<\/p>\n
That balance of affordability, performance, and flexibility makes him an especially attractive target in the current market environment.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the Cubs\u2019 handling of this situation will reveal how aggressively they are willing to push their chips to the center of the table.<\/p>\n
With Alex Bregman anchoring third base and Edward Cabrera bolstering the rotation, Chicago has clearly chosen to contend in the immediate future.<\/p>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.bleachernation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/alex-bregman-USATSI_27169666.jpg\")
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Whether that commitment extends to reshaping the infield around younger pieces or doubling down on proven veterans remains the central question.<\/p>\n
One way or another, the Cubs\u2019 next move will not merely resolve a roster logjam, but help define the direction of the franchise for years to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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