The Cubs have been at the center of plenty of offseason chatter since landing Alex Bregman, but the trade buzz surrounding Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw has officially cooled off-and it’s not because Chicago backed off the phones. It’s because the Red Sox, one of the teams reportedly pushing hardest for infield help, found a dance partner elsewhere.
Boston had been hunting for infield reinforcements all winter. After missing out on top free agents like Bregman and Bo Bichette, the pressure ratcheted up inside their front office.
They were reportedly in talks with as many as five teams-including the Cubs-but ultimately struck a deal with a division rival instead. On Monday, the Red Sox acquired 2025 NL Rookie of the Year finalist Caleb Durbin, infielder Andruw Monasterio, utility man Anthony Seigler, and the 67th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft from the Milwaukee Brewers.
In return, they sent left-handers Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, along with infielder David Hamilton, to Milwaukee.
It’s a fascinating move, especially considering Boston didn’t have to part with any of their top young arms-something that would’ve been a non-starter in any serious talks with the Cubs. Chicago was never in a position where they needed to make a move.
They held the leverage, and they knew it. Any deal involving Hoerner or Shaw was always going to require a significant overpay, and Boston clearly wasn’t ready to meet that price.
Let’s be real: trading Hoerner never made much sense in the first place. Yes, he’s set to hit free agency after this season, but he’s been a cornerstone of the Cubs’ defensive identity.
Since 2022, he’s averaged over 4 fWAR per year-elite production for a second baseman, and the kind of consistency that doesn’t just grow on trees. His glove is Gold Glove caliber, his bat is steady, and his presence in the clubhouse is valued.
You don’t move that kind of player unless someone makes you an offer you can’t refuse.
And with Shaw, the calculus is different but just as compelling. Sure, the 23-year-old could’ve brought back a strong return, but trading him now would’ve left a major question mark in the infield beyond 2026.
He’s viewed as a potential everyday second baseman if Hoerner departs in free agency, and the Cubs are in no rush to part with a controllable, versatile young talent who’s just scratching the surface of his potential. His development as a hitter will be one of the key storylines to watch this season.
Some fans have raised eyebrows about Shaw’s role in 2026, especially after the Bregman signing. But this isn’t the first time the Cubs have faced this kind of roster puzzle.
Go back to 2016-when the Cubs brought in Ben Zobrist, many wondered how Javier Báez would fit. All he did was play in 142 games and rack up 450 plate appearances as a super-utility weapon.
The Cubs know how to blend young talent with veteran additions, and Shaw figures to be the next example.
He’ll get reps at second, sure, but he’ll also see time in the outfield. That added versatility only increases his value and opens up more pathways to regular playing time. For a second-year player, that’s huge.
With spring training around the corner, the trade rumors are fading, and the Cubs can focus on what’s in front of them. Hoerner enters his fourth year as the starting second baseman, and Shaw will continue to grow into his role as a utility option with upside. The depth chart looks strong, the infield is solid, and the front office didn’t flinch when other teams came calling.
The bottom line? The best version of the 2026 Cubs includes Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw. And that’s exactly what they’ll have.