{"id":141501,"date":"2026-01-18T12:26:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T12:26:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=141501"},"modified":"2026-01-18T12:26:42","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T12:26:42","slug":"cubs-star-nico-hoerner-responds-as-infield-shakeup-raises-big-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=141501","title":{"rendered":"Cubs Star Nico Hoerner Responds as Infield Shakeup Raises Big Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

IMAGE: New York Mets pinch-runner Luisangel Acuna (2) steals second as Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) cant handle a throw during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. \/ David Banks \/ Imagn Images<\/div>\n

Cubs Teammates Rally Around Nico Hoerner Amid Trade Rumors Following Bregman Signing<\/strong><\/p>\n

CHICAGO – The ink on Alex Bregman\u2019s blockbuster contract was barely dry before the questions started swirling. A five-year, $175 million deal makes Bregman the Cubs\u2019 third baseman of the present and future – but it also creates a ripple effect across the infield. And right now, that ripple is hitting Nico Hoerner.<\/p>\n

With Bregman locked in at the hot corner, the Cubs\u2019 infield suddenly feels crowded. Matt Shaw, one of the organization\u2019s promising young talents, looks poised to shift into a super-utility role – at least for now.<\/p>\n

But the bigger question centers on Hoerner, the Gold Glove second baseman and clubhouse cornerstone. Trade rumors have been floating around him all winter, and Bregman\u2019s arrival only stirred the pot.<\/p>\n

At Bregman\u2019s introductory press conference, team president Jed Hoyer didn\u2019t shut the door on a potential move, but he made it clear: Hoerner is highly valued in the Cubs\u2019 clubhouse and front office. And if you needed any more proof, just listen to his teammates.<\/p>\n

\u201cNico means the world to me and to this team,\u201d shortstop Dansby Swanson said. \u201cHe brings the same type of energy and competitive spirit that Alex does.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s a darn good player, a really good winner, and honestly, irreplaceable. There\u2019s no way to properly value what he brings to this group, on and off the field.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ian Happ, another clubhouse leader, echoed the sentiment. \u201cHe\u2019s an asset to any group,\u201d Happ said.<\/p>\n

\"Nico<\/p>\n

\u201cHis skill set, the way he carries himself, how he works – he\u2019s a great example for guys. He\u2019s the type of player you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoerner, for his part, isn\u2019t blind to the business side of the game. He\u2019s entering the final year of his contract and doesn\u2019t have a no-trade clause.<\/p>\n

From a purely transactional standpoint, there\u2019s logic behind the speculation. But that doesn\u2019t mean a deal is imminent – or even likely.<\/p>\n

Sources inside the organization have emphasized that any trade involving Hoerner would require an offer that absolutely blows them away. And there\u2019s a growing sense that the Cubs value Hoerner – his elite defense, his leadership, his makeup – more than any team realistically would in return. In other words, it\u2019s going to take a lot to pry him loose.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s not about clearing payroll. Even with Bregman\u2019s contract on the books, the Cubs are sitting just under the first luxury tax threshold.<\/p>\n

But with a full season\u2019s worth of roster movement ahead, they\u2019re almost certainly heading over that $244 million line – and they seem comfortable with that reality. This isn\u2019t a team looking to cut corners; it\u2019s one that believes it\u2019s ready to compete.<\/p>\n

As for Hoerner, he\u2019s not letting the noise throw him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t really find myself lacking focus or motivation too much,\u201d he said. \u201cThe trade rumors always make you reflect.<\/p>\n

Anything that makes you question things is healthy. I absolutely love the Cubs and I\u2019m really grateful to be here right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

And he\u2019s genuinely excited to share a clubhouse with Bregman – someone he\u2019s admired for a long time.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s probably the hitter I\u2019ve looked at most in my life,\u201d Hoerner said.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to see the parallels. Both are elite defenders.<\/p>\n

Both have a reputation for grinding out at-bats and controlling the strike zone. Bregman brings more power and a deeper postseason r\u00e9sum\u00e9, but the mindset is similar – edge, intensity, and a relentless work ethic that coaches love.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been three years since Hoerner signed a three-year, $35 million extension – a deal that was seen as a vote of confidence in the Cubs\u2019 direction during a transitional period. And now, that direction is clear. This team is built to win, and Hoerner is a big part of that equation.<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s one thing fans would love to hear more than trade rumors, it\u2019s extension talks. But don\u2019t expect anything public on that front.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike usual, extension or contract-related things are going to remain internal,\u201d Hoerner said. \u201cBut I love playing for the Cubs.<\/p>\n

I think that was evident in signing a deal initially and hopefully evident just in how I approach the game. I have gratitude for being here and playing in front of these fans.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m so excited for this season and the roster that we have going into this year. That\u2019s the absolute main focus – and things will fall in line from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot to like about this Cubs roster heading into 2026. Bregman adds a proven bat and postseason pedigree.<\/p>\n

Edward Cabrera brings a live arm to the rotation. The bullpen\u2019s getting a facelift.<\/p>\n

And even with Kyle Tucker\u2019s departure, this group has the look of a contender – especially after last fall\u2019s NLDS run.<\/p>\n

Hoerner\u2019s been through the rebuild. He\u2019s seen the lows. And now, with the Cubs on the rise, he\u2019s not looking to miss out on the payoff.<\/p>\n

\u201cI definitely want to be here for this season and with this group,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s a ton of satisfaction in seeing an organization and players around you develop. It\u2019s been a really steady arc of improvement here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cubs are turning the corner – and if they have their way, Hoerner will be right there with them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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