MLB Trade Rumors: Nico Hoerner Heads to Red Sox In Proposed Deal

Nico Hoerner is a two-time Gold Glover and a real sparkplug for the Chicago Cubs lineup. He's averaged over 30 stolen bases and 90 runs over each of the past three seasons. In 2025, he was in the 98th percentile in xBA, and the 99th percentile in strikeout %. On defense, his +15 Outs Above Average placed him in the 98th percentile.

Yet, his name is somehow still out on the rumor mill as a potential trade target. It's unlikely that the Cubs will trade him, but with Hoerner entering the last year of his deal and set for free agency after the 2026 season, it's certainly something they'll consider if the right offer comes along.

Is this the 'right offer'? Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has proposed this deal that would send Hoerner to the Boston Red Sox:

Red Sox receive:

Nico Hoerner, 2B

Cubs receive:

LHP Connelly Early (Red Sox No. 4 prospect)

For the Red Sox, they can afford to trade a promising young pitching prospect after the bonzo offseason they had on the pitching market. First, they traded for veteran starter Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals, then just this week, they signed one of the top free agent arms on the market this winter, Ranger Suarez, to a massive five-year deal.

In addition, the prospect they'd be giving up, Early, is a similar type of pitcher to Suarez, in that he doesn't overpower hitters, but rather uses a variety of pitches and smarts.

Boston has a hole to fill in their lineup after losing third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency to these very same Cubs, so it would be some ironic justice if they were able to replenish their infield in a deal with them. It's unlikely they'll be able to sign Bo Bichette for an answer at second base, so the trade route might be their best option.

Cubs could turn Hoerner into promising lefty pitching prospect

As for the Cubs, they would get an elite pitching prospect in return for Hoerner, instead of potentially losing the second baseman for nothing on the open market next offseason.

Early, a southpaw, was a fifth-round pick of the BoSox in 2023. As mentioned, he doesn't blow batters away, but keeps them off balance with a pair of breaking balls, a sweeping low-80s slider and a solid curveball.

The 23-year-old showed he could handle the majors in a brief trial in the 2025 season, with a 2.33 ERA and a 29:4 strikeout to walk ratio in 19.1 innings over four starts as a September call-up. In fact, he showed enough poise that the Red Sox had him start Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series against the NY Yankees.