The Chicago Cubs have had one of the better defenses in baseball, thanks to the iron defense of their infield. However, a hole may get poked through the wall next offseason.
According to Fansided’s Chris Landers, because the Cubs are watching their budget and have top prospects knocking on the door, they are expected to part ways with their star second baseman, Nico Hoerner, in 2026.
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“This is the second consecutive offseason in which Hoerner's name has been dangled in trade rumors, and where there's that much smoke, there's bound to be fire. Even if Chicago opts to ride it out with the speedy infielder in his walk year, it seems unlikely given Jed Hoyer's track record that the Cubs will be the ones to pay him in free agency next winter. Not when they have Dansby Swanson's contract still on the books, lots of other talented young infielders around him and other holes to fill,” Rotman wrote.
This past season, Hoerner slashed.297/.345/.394/.739 with 29 doubles, seven home runs, and 61 RBI. He also has two Gold Gloves to his name, making him one of the best defensive second basemen in baseball.
With that in mind, Hoerner may ask for a big-time contract. Nothing in the nine figures, but definitely something that may make Chicago balk when they have top prospects to take his place for cheap.
With that in mind, it may hurt Cubs fans, but they may have to treat this last season as a farewell.
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