Trading Nico Hoerner Isn’t Likely, Though Cubs Could Move Him if Extension Doesn’t Happen

It’s the offseason, which means trade rumors regarding Nico Hoerner are inevitable. Every winter, there are talks about whether it’s wise for the Cubs to move their second baseman. He’s become one of the most underrated players in baseball, so the idea that people think it’s wise to move him is less than shocking.

Hoerner is a staple of the Cubs’ elite defense, winning his second Gold Glove Award in 2025. He totalled 14 outs above average (OAA) and a fielding run value of 12, both of which were twice as high as any other second baseman in the game. His ability to play shortstop at a high level adds even more value and has other teams eyeing him as a trade target.

Nico Hoerner goes SOARING pic.twitter.com/cGFampHfM6

— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2025

When talking about Hoerner, most people understandably focus on the glove. However, his bat has become one of the most consistent in the sport. Hitting home runs is what gets people excited, so the lack of power in Hoerner’s game often puts him under the radar. Despite that, his .345 on-base percentage and .297 batting average made up for it. He also had just a 7.6% strikeout rate last season, third-lowest in MLB.

His average exit velocity was just 86.7 mph, but his 36.5% squared-up rate was in the 96th percentile. Hoerner always seemed to come through in big moments, boasting a .375 average in high-leverage situations. Being so strong in nearly every facet of the game — he’s also stolen at least 29 bases in each of the last three seasons — means Hoerner is a perfect fit for nearly any team.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported on Wednesday that the Giants had checked in on Hoerner’s availability. She first wrote that the Cubs “have dangled Hoerner,” but quickly edited her piece to say “the Giants have checked in on” the former Stanford shortstop. Those two quotes have very different meanings, with the latter feeling more realistic. Either way, having a team connection is really interesting.

Entering his contract year, it makes the most sense to trade Hoerner now compared to past winters. By no means is it the smartest move, but it’s more reasonable to deal him with one year left on his contract compared to two or more. If the Cubs are unable to sign him to an extension, getting value on the trade market instead of letting him go for nothing is understandable.

The counterpoint, and opinion held by most Cubs fans, is that Hoerner’s impact in Chicago is far greater than any return he could bring in a trade. The defense, baserunning, offense, and clubhouse presence combine to make him one of the best players in baseball. Trading him hurts the culture that Jed Hoyer and his front office have been trying to build, and would set the team back by losing one of its leaders.

The Mariners are sure to get involved if Hoerner’s name continues to circulate, as is the annual tradition. Although the Mariners likely won’t move a pitcher such as Bryce Miller, the Cubs could look at their minor league system for pitching help. Ryan Sloan is probably a long shot, but an arm like Jurrangelo Cijntje feels more attainable.

Even though it’s not a move most feel the Cubs should make, the idea of them trading Hoerner rather than letting him play out his contract without an extension is in the realm of possibility.

The post Trading Nico Hoerner Isn’t Likely, Though Cubs Could Move Him if Extension Doesn’t Happen appeared first on .