Cubs Rumblings: Nico Hoerner’s Name Surfaces in Trade Talks-But Don’t Jump to Conclusions Just Yet
One of the more unexpected storylines to emerge from the Winter Meetings? Nico Hoerner’s name surfacing in trade conversations. While there’s no indication the Cubs are actively shopping their Gold Glove second baseman, his name came up enough behind the scenes that it raised eyebrows around the league.
According to reports, the San Francisco Giants were one of the teams involved in those conversations. The Giants, in search of a second baseman, reportedly had dialogue with the Cubs, who may be exploring ways to make room for a potential addition at third base-specifically Alex Bregman or Eugenio Suárez.
But let’s pause for a second before we assume Hoerner’s packing his bags.
The framing of the situation differs depending on who you ask. Some reports suggest it was the Cubs initiating contact with San Francisco, potentially floating Hoerner as a way to clear the infield logjam. That would hint at a more proactive approach from Chicago, possibly positioning themselves to land a veteran third baseman and shift some pieces around.
Here’s where things get murky. From a roster construction standpoint, moving Hoerner doesn’t exactly add up.
The Cubs have the financial flexibility to bring in a high-priced infielder without needing to part ways with one of their core contributors. And from a fit perspective, there’s room to accommodate a new third baseman without disrupting the middle infield.
Matt Shaw, the presumed third baseman of the future, could easily slide into a super-utility role in the short term. Long term, he’s still on track to be a regular by 2027-conveniently lining up with Hoerner’s potential free agency.
So why would the Cubs entertain the idea of moving Hoerner now?
It’s possible that during the Winter Meetings-a time when every front office is feeling out the market and testing scenarios-his name came up in exploratory talks. That’s not uncommon.
Teams often float names not because they’re eager to deal them, but to gauge value, spark ideas, or lay groundwork for future moves. In this case, it may have been little more than a hypothetical kicked around during a broader conversation with the Giants.
Still, even the mention of Hoerner in trade chatter is worth noting, given what he’s become for this team.
On the field, Hoerner has solidified himself as one of the league’s premier defensive second basemen. He brings steady contact at the plate, elite glove work, and a high baseball IQ.
But his value goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s emerged as a clubhouse leader-respected, reliable, and deeply embedded in the team’s culture.
Moving a player like that doesn’t just shift your lineup; it can shift your identity.
That’s not to say the Cubs should avoid a trade just because it might ruffle feathers. Front offices are paid to make tough calls, and if the right deal comes along, no one is truly untouchable. But it’s hard to envision a scenario where the Cubs come out ahead by moving Hoerner-especially if the goal is to upgrade third base, a position they already have internal solutions for.
So yes, Hoerner’s name was mentioned. Yes, the Giants have a need.
And yes, the Cubs are exploring ways to improve. But for now, this feels more like winter smoke than a fire that’s about to burn down the infield.
Until something more concrete surfaces, it’s safe to say Nico Hoerner remains a key piece of the Cubs’ present-and very likely, their future.