MLB Trade Rumors: Cubs Shopping Nico Hoerner

December 12, 2025 , , ,
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner on the infield during 2025 game.

Nico Hoerner is exactly the kind of player teams claim they want and almost never actually move. 

He just posted a career year for the Chicago Cubs, hitting .297 with 29 steals, elite contact skills, and Gold Glove defense at second base while leading the team in WAR and helping drive a 92 win season. 

Now his name is popping up in trade talks again.

Why Nico Hoerner Is Drawing So Much Trade Interest

Over the last four seasons, Hoerner has combined a 105 wRC+ with top tier defense and disruptive speed on the bases, piling up 17.5 fWAR and 123 steals. 

He almost never strikes out, walks enough to stay on base, and can handle second base at a Gold Glove level while still offering the ability to slide back to shortstop if needed. 

On top of that, his 2026 salary sits at a very affordable 12 million dollars for a true four to five win player, which makes him attractive to contenders and smaller market clubs that need impact but cannot chase the top of free agency.

Naturally that has led to speculation about clubs like the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox checking in to see if the Cubs would even consider a deal. 

Any team with a hole at second base or a need for better defense up the middle would love to plug Hoerner into the lineup for a year and try to work on an extension. The fact that he is entering his final year before free agency only increases the urgency for rival front offices to make the call now rather than wait until he potentially hits the open market.

Trade, Extend, Or Ride It Out? Chicago’s Real Decision

Despite the noise, everything about the Cubs’ behavior points toward Hoerner being far more likely to stay than go. He is a fan favorite, a respected presence in the clubhouse, and the second longest tenured player on the roster. 

Chicago does not have a clear internal replacement ready at second base for 2026, and moving him would immediately make their World Series push next season harder, especially with other stars possibly leaving in free agency. 

The front office is known for listening on almost everyone during the offseason, so his name surfacing in conversations might just be standard operating procedure more than a sign they are eager to tear out the heart of the roster.

Hoerner has outperformed his three year, 35 million dollar extension and is in line for a significant raise on the open market, likely in the five to seven year range with an annual value similar to other top second basemen. 

With a potential 2026 lockout and salary cap fight looming in the next CBA, teams around the league are wary of handing out big long term deals until they know what the financial world will look like. 

If the Cubs decide they cannot or will not live in that price range, the cold business case to trade him now while his value is at its peak becomes harder to ignore, especially if it is their only way to land a frontline starter.

Photo Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

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