Cubs Trade Rumors: Potential Nico Hoerner Destination Emerges

Jed Hoyer has been fairly busy early on in this offseason. The Chicago Cubs' head baseball mind executed a trade to improve the bullpen by adding Eli Morgan. In addition, the Cubs have reportedly struck a two-year deal with left-hander Matthew Boyd. The pitching has been upgraded, but the lineup still remains the same from 2024. 

It's the season of the hot stove, and the rumors are flying as the annual MLB Winter Meetings approach. The Cubs are certainly found in the rumor mill, with one of their middle infielders serving as the center of speculation. 

According to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, Nico Hoerner's name has come up in trade discussions with the Seattle Mariners. It's no secret that the Mariners desperately need bats to complement superstar Julio Rodriguez, and adding a defensively sound player in the process would be a huge benefit. The Cubs are reportedly asking for MLB talent in return for Hoerner in a potential deal.

In a perfect world, the Cubs are likely asking for one of Seattle's starting pitchers in any deal involving Hoerner. The Mariners' rotation is one of the best in baseball, featuring a slew of incredible talent. Logan Gilbert is the proven ace, Luis Castillo is the sturdy veteran, and young righties Bryce Miller, George Kirby, and Bryan Woo are all quality pitchers. If the Cubs could land any of those pitchers, things would be looking up on the North Side.

Hoerner is coming off another solid season. Although losing Hoerner would certainly hurt, the possibility of inserting top prospect Matt Shaw into the lineup at second base may be more appealing. The Cubs need pop in the lineup. Opening up a spot for Shaw's pop while potentially adding a starting pitcher feels like a good deal for Chicago. However, will the Mariners value Hoerner high enough to pull off this type of deal?