Yankees Competing With Rival For Gold Glove Infielder

Once again, the New York Yankees find themselves in competition with the Boston Red Sox.

This time, it's over Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner.

The New York Post's Joel Sherman reports the Yankees are shopping for a right-handed bat to add some balance to the lineup.

"The ideal would be someone who could play multiple positions among first base, third base and the outfield while limiting strikeouts," Sherman writes.

'Ideal Candidate'

"An ideal candidate for the Yankees would be Nico Hoerner," Sherman adds. "The Cubs were open to moving him at points during this offseason, especially after the signing of Alex Bregman that could allow Matt Shaw to shift to second base.

"Among his many assets, Hoerner is an elite defensive second baseman, an outstanding baserunner and someone who hit .369 vs. lefties last year with just a 5.4 strikeout percentage," Sherman adds.

"But he is due $12 million for 2026 before becoming a free agent, and the Cubs would have to get a strong return to consider dealing him," Sherman concludes.

Red Sox Rumors

Problem is, the Red Sox also are looking for an infielder after watching Bregman bolt for the Windy City on a five-year, $175 million contract.

"Is Red Sox' best infield option paying up for Hoerner or Shaw? Cubs are listening. Cost would be high. Would take guts," the Boston Globe's Tim Healey reports.

"Hoerner especially would be proof of (Craig) Breslow's 'focus on '26, not the future' approach," Healey adds.

So why all the fuss over Hoerner? Here's what you need to know.

All The Fuss

The 28-year-old made his debut in 2019 with the Cubs. He's played eight seasons in Chicago, posting a respectable .282 batting average.