Chicago Cubs heading toward crippling $200 million mistake

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jan 1, 2026 7:27 PM ET

So apparently, the Chicago Cubs are interested in free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette, one of the top bats available on the market as we head into the new year.

Bichette’s offense is unquestioned. He slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI over 628 plate appearances this past season and owns a lifetime .806 OPS. In fact, aside from the complete anomaly that was Bichette’s 2024 campaign, he has posted an OPS well north of .800 each year since entering the big leagues in 2019.

And yet, it would be a major mistake for the Cubs to sign him.

Why? Because while Bichette is one of the best offensive shortstops in baseball, he is also one of the league’s worst defenders. He is also slated to earn in the neighborhood of $200 million on his upcoming contract, which is a heck of a lot to pay for such a bad defensive player. And for as good as he is at the plate, it’s not like he’s Shohei Ohtani.

The Chicago Cubs should avoid Bo Bichette

Jul 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) runs after hitting a double against the Chicago White Sox during the eight inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago already boasts one of the best middle infields in baseball with Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson. Hoerner has heard his name floated in trade speculation throughout the winter, so you figure that if the Cubs do make a serious push for Bichette, Hoerner would then be on the chopping block.

Bichette would then shift to second base, and while that is an easier position than shortstop, it’s hard to imagine that Bichette would suddenly become a good — or even adequate — defender.

This is not one of Chicago’s biggest needs. Yes, the Cubs need another bat, especially after likely losing Kyle Tucker, but Hoerner himself hit .297 with a .345 OBP in 2025. He doesn’t possess the pop of Bichette, but he is no slouch at the dish.

The Cubs could stand to upgrade at third base, which is why Alex Bregman has been a potential candidate for them all offseason. And with Tucker probably walking, bringing in an outfielder would be nice, as well.

But acquiring Bichette? It just feels like a relatively lateral move for Chicago considering it would come at the expense of Hoerner.

Unless the Cubs are getting Ketel Marte, there is absolutely no need to move on from Hoerner … especially when you are losing that much defense in the process.

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

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