Within recent weeks, the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox addressed their infield requirements, narrowing potential trade destinations for Nico Hoerner. San Francisco added three-time batting champion Luis Arraez, Seattle secured Brendan Donovan via a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston executed a six-player trade that brought 2025 National League Rookie of the Year finalist Caleb Durbin to Fenway Park. These moves complicate the situation for the Chicago Cubs, who remain open to trade discussions yet maintain a demanding asking price for their two-time Gold Glove recipient Hoerner.
Cubs Maintain a Demanding Price Despite Limited Trade Interest
Matthew Trueblood of North Side Baseball reports that Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is seeking a package in exchange for Hoerner that includes a versatile Major League infielder capable of covering second, third, and shortstop—essentially a replacement for backup Matt Shaw—alongside a top-tier pitching prospect to strengthen the Cubs’ farm system and an MLB-ready pitcher expected to contribute in 2026. Though this represents a steep price, especially for a player eligible for free agency after the upcoming season, Hoyer insists on holding firm. Chicago is under no immediate pressure to reduce salary commitments or expedite a trade, and with the 2026 roster clearly stronger with Hoerner, patience remains the strategy.
Trade Prospects Narrow as Deadline Approaches
The height of the Cubs’ demands, compounded by a scarcity of teams capable of meeting them without harming its own 2026 competitiveness, has rapidly curtailed the list of realistic trade partners. As the spring progresses, it appears unlikely that a deal will materialize before Opening Day. However, if Matt Shaw performs well and an unexpected offer emerges during the summer trade deadline, negotiations could pick up. For now, the outlook favors Hoerner staying at second base for the Chicago Cubs this season, reflecting both the team’s valuation of his contributions and the limited market demand.
