Here’s What the Cubs Should Do Instead of Trading Nico Hoerner

Hey, Jeff Passan, the Cubs aren’t going to trade Nico Hoerner. Stop it. No but really, please stop suggesting the thought that the Cubs will be dangling Hoerner on the trade market now that the team stunned everyone and out-bid the Red Sox for Alex Bregman.

The most trusted MLB insider stoked the flames on ESPN as Passan wrote this past weekend that the Cubs would consider trading either Hoerner or Matt Shaw after giving Bregman a five-year, $175 million contract that includes a no-trade clause. I doubt the Cubs trade either guys, but it just doesn’t make any sense to bring in Bregman only to make your position group worse by trading away one of your most valuable players.

Yes, that’s how good Hoerner has been for the Cubs and while he’s not the big slugger in the middle of the lineup or an elite hitter in the league, Hoerner is simply a very good all around player that every winning organization strives to produce.

In 2025, Hoerner was an elite defender and was recognized for his effort with the second gold glove of his career at second base. The right-handed batter also posted a career high 109 wRC+, slashing .297/.345/.394, while stealing 29 bases and recording a 4.8 fWAR, the second most value created on the Cubs behind only Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Despite the buzz that Passan’s comment created, which by the way I know I’m giving him shit but he did also say the Cubs may just keep everyone, anyway Sahadev Sharma threw some cold water on the trade rumors.

In The Athletic, Sharma wrote that yes teams are calling, asking about Hoerner, and yes the Cubs are picking up the phone, listening, but it would have to be an overwhelming proposal for them to actually trade away their gold glove second baseman.

Via The Athletic.

There are no indications that the Cubs are looking to move Hoerner, but other teams have come calling, and this organization won’t hang up when others ring. The Cubs will listen, and if they’re blown away, they may decide it’s the right thing to do.

Dating back to 2022, Hoerner has been remarkably consistent in all aspects of his game. Even when he wasn’t tearing it up at the plate, Hoerner made it up for it with outstanding defense and great base running.

2022: 135 games, 281/.327/.410, 20 stolen bases, 108 wRC+, 13 OAA, 10 DRS, 4.3 fWAR
2023: 150 games, .283/.346/.383, 43 stolen bases, 103 wRC+, 13 OAA, 11 DRS, 4.5 fWAR
2024: 151 games, .273/.335/.373, 31 stolen bases, 102 wRC+, 10 OAA, 4 DRS, 3.9 fWAR
2025: 156 games, .297/.345/.394, 29 stolen bases, 109 wRC+, 14 OAA, 17 DRS, 4.8 fWAR

You’re a Cubs fan, you watch the games, you know how good Nico is, but that was a lovely reminder.

Ahead of the 2023 season, Hoerner signed a three-year, $35 million extension to remain with the Cubs through 2026, and oh my god it’s already 2026!

But relax, it’s not time to trade Nico Hoerner, instead here’s what the Cubs should do.

Cubs Should Sign Nico Hoerner to 6-year, $120 million extension

If you’re the Cubs you can’t let Hoerner reach free agency. Next year’s free agent class for middle infielders is putrid and Hoerner can use it to his advantage by seeking a starting shortstop deal that immediately ups his potential earnings.

Here are some other recent contracts signed by prominent second basemen that leads to me to a six-year, $120 million projection for Hoerner.

Jose Altuve: 5 years, $125 million, $25m AAV (signed at 33)
Marcus Semien: 7 years, $175 million, $25m AAV (signed at 31)
Ketel Marte: 6 years, $116.5 million $19.4m AAV (signed at 31)
Andres Gimenez: 7 years, $106.5 million $15.2m AAV (signed at 24)

Signing Hoerner to a six-year extension would keep him with the Cubs through his age-35 season. Let’s get a little fancy with the structure.

Number one, give Hoerner the assurance that trade rumors will only matter on his terms with a full no-trade clause. The team did it for Ian Happ and it was a sticking point in negotiations with Bregman this offseason as the Cubs also provided the no-trade clause in his contract.

Secondly, guarantee the first five years for $95 million, then the sixth year becomes a $25 million team option with a $10 million buyout.

The Cubs, even with Bregman’s new deal, don’t have too many other big contracts on the books during the next few years, so front load the money for Hoerner.

Year 1, $25 million
Year 2, $20 million
Year 3, $20 million
Year 4, $15 million
Year 5, $15 million
Year 6, $25 million option, $10 million buyout

Even with the buyout, Hoerner would earn $105 million over five years, an average of $21 million per year.

Maybe I’m way off with how that sixth year option could work, but some version of that seems reasonable. Nico Hoerner is good baseball player and the Cubs should be in the business of getting and keeping as many good baseball players as they can.