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MLB: Chicago Cubs at Athletics MLB: Chicago Cubs at Athletics Apr 2, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago Cubs second base Nico Hoerner (2) scores a run on a single by outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) during the fourth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs-Arizona Diamondbacks make perfect trade partners

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Vincent Pensabene | Last updated Dec 1, 2025 12:26 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs have shown the ability to make a splash with a trade during the offseason, as we saw with them landing outfielder Kyle Tucker last offseason. While they may let him walk as an unrestricted free agent, as they get a draft pick as compensation for him rejecting the qualifying offer, they could still improve the roster with a major name. Should the Chicago Cubs play in the deep end of the market and go after an All-Star infielder this offseason?

The Chicago Cubs have enough to go after Ketel Marte

The Chicago Cubs could make a major player in the trade market for the 2026 MLB offseason.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi suggested the Arizona Diamondbacks are listening to trade offers for second baseman Ketel Marte, while ESPN’s Jesse Rogers said multiple MLB executives believe he will be moved before Spring Training. There are going to be intriguing offers that teams can make in order to acquire the All-Star second baseman, but the Cubbies should be in the mix for him.

Chicago has names in their minor league system that could intrigue Arizona with infielder Jefferson Rojas in Double-A or pitcher Jaxon Wiggins in Triple-A, so there are minor leaguers who can give the D-Backs the potential upside while not needing to pay as much in salaries going forward.

Marte is not getting paid an extraordinary amount as he is entering the second year of his six-year, $116.5 million contract. This would lock up second base for the next half-decade and give the team an additional hitter who can do well in the top half of the batting order. This makes Chicago in more of a win-now mode and could even see him move positions as he has shown he has the arm to play on the left side of the infield while transitioning third baseman Matt Shaw into a utility role, or even be part of the potential deal.

Marte is in a spot where he can be a significant upgrade to a Cubs lineup that looks weaker without Kyle Tucker. With the ability to be a switch-hitter and post a .823 career OPS, this could be the bat to replace Tucker’s production.

What about Nico Hoerner?

Nico Hoerner has been one of the top players for the Chicago Cubs and had a massive breakout season in 2025, finishing with a Gold Glove at second base while having a .739 OPS. While this is a chance for the Cubs to continue keeping one of their own, this could be a chance for the front office to move the 28-year-old while his value is at the highest it has been. Hoerner is a free agent after the 2026 season and is making $12 million this upcoming season, so he could even be in the conversation of a trade as well.

There is also a chance that the team keeps Hoerner and moves some other players instead. If they do that, they can move around some players and create an infield with Hoerner at third base or in the outfield, two spots he has played eight times each in his career. This is an opportunity to improve the team if the Kyle Tucker market becomes out of their price range. It will be intriguing to see what the Chicago Cubs decide to do this offseason to improve its roster.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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