Yankees Have Reportedly Checked in on Nico Hoerner

According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the Yankees have once again checked in on Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner.

Sources: Yankees reached out to the Cubs about infielder Nico Hoerner after the Alex Bregman signing and have legitimate interest

— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) January 11, 2026

Trade rumors surrounding Hoerner are inevitable every offseason, but they make more sense after the Cubs signed Alex Bregman on Saturday. Adding Bregman leaves Matt Shaw without a spot in the everyday lineup. If Hoerner is traded, the Cubs could theoretically move Shaw to second base to fill Hoerner’s spot.

Hoerner is one of the most valuable players in baseball. He posted a 6.2 bWAR in 2025, along with a 114 OPS+ and 15 outs above average. He is an elite defender, fantastic on the basepaths, and one of the most consistent hitters in the sport.

He is set to earn $12 million, which could come into play if the Cubs want to ensure they remain under the luxury tax threshold after signing Bregman to the highest AAV in team history. However, extending Hoerner seems like the better move, as his consistency is something that can continue to benefit the Cubs for years to come.

When it comes to a team like the Yankees potentially wanting Hoerner, they do not have many pieces that would make a trade worthwhile for the Cubs. Anyone the Cubs might want, such as Cam Schlittler or Ben Rice, is likely not available. The Yankees could really use Hoerner, but the Cubs have no need for the pieces Brian Cashman could offer in a potential deal.

Other teams could easily start a bidding war for the second baseman, but it is difficult to justify losing one of the clubhouse leaders. Hoerner has been with the organization since being selected in the first round of the 2018 draft and reached the major leagues in September 2019. He is known as an extremely hard worker and is now a veteran presence on a relatively young roster.

He has won two Gold Glove Awards and produced 21.8 bWAR over his career. He stays healthy and exemplifies consistency, which is not something you trade away for anything less than an absolute haul on the trade market. Things could change if a team becomes desperate, but for now, the idea of Hoerner being traded feels far-fetched.

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