The Chicago Cubs made one of the offseason’s biggest splashes by signing Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal - and with that move, the entire infield dynamic in Wrigleyville just shifted.
Before Bregman put pen to paper, the expectation was that Matt Shaw, one of the club’s top young talents, would get the nod at third base, with Nico Hoerner holding things down at second. But Bregman is a third baseman, full stop.
He’s not coming in to platoon or bounce around the diamond. He’s here to anchor the hot corner.
So now, the question becomes: what happens to Shaw and Hoerner?
Let’s start with Hoerner. He’s coming off a career year - 156 games, 6.2 bWAR - the kind of season that turns heads not just in Chicago, but across the league.
Naturally, that’s led to some trade speculation. A player with that kind of production, defensive versatility, and clubhouse presence doesn’t hit the market often, and teams in need of middle infield help would line up for a shot at him.
But according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Cubs may not be looking to move Hoerner at all. In fact, they might be thinking about doubling down.
Hoerner signed a three-year, $35 million extension in March 2023, which bought out his final two arbitration years and his first year of free agency. Now, with Bregman in the fold and Shaw potentially shifting into a utility role, there’s talk that the Cubs could look to extend Hoerner again - locking in a proven, reliable piece of their core for the long haul.
It’s a compelling idea. Hoerner’s value goes beyond the stat sheet.
He’s a steady presence, a leader, and someone who’s clearly respected within the clubhouse. If the Cubs believe Shaw can handle a super-utility role - think Chris Taylor or Ben Zobrist in his prime - then keeping Hoerner at second and letting Shaw bounce around the infield might be the best of both worlds.
That said, the Cubs have options. Hoerner’s trade value is significant, and if they’re in the market for another starting pitcher, he could be a key piece in bringing one back.
Shaw, too, has his own appeal. He’s young, cost-controlled, and still viewed as a high-upside prospect.
If the right deal comes along, Chicago could move one of them and still feel good about their depth.
Or, they could simply stand pat.
There’s no urgency here. The Cubs have time to evaluate how Bregman fits, how Shaw adapts to a flexible role, and whether Hoerner continues to trend upward. This is a front office that’s been deliberate with its rebuild, and they’re not likely to make a move just for the sake of it.
For now, what we know is this: Bregman is in, and he’s the everyday third baseman. Shaw’s role is evolving.
And Hoerner? He’s still very much in the picture - whether that’s as a long-term cornerstone or as a valuable trade chip remains to be seen.
Either way, the Cubs suddenly have depth, flexibility, and options - and that’s a good place to be as spring training approaches.