The Chicago Cubs entered spring training as one of the biggest winners of the MLB offseason and are also being viewed as a legitimate World Series threat.
After a slow start to the offseason that had fans feeling frustrated, Jed Hoyer and the Cubs’ front office got to work. First was the trade with the Miami Marlins to acquire starting pitcher Edward Cabrera. Shortly after that move, Hoyer made the aggressive push to sign star free agent third baseman Alex Bregman.
Those two moves alone have put Chicago back on the championship map.
Following the signing of Bregman, the Cubs were surrounded with trade rumors. Nico Hoerner was at the center of those rumors. He still remains a potential trade candidate.
With that being said, Hoerner has taken some time during spring training to speak out about the rumors that have surrounded him for weeks.
Chicago Cubs Star Nico Hoerner Speaks Out About Trade Rumors
Being included in daily trade rumors is not easy for players to deal with. However, for Hoerner, he revealed that this offseason was easier for him than most.
“You’re aware of teams that would be options to trade for you,” Hoerner said. “And then, obviously, there are different roster constructions, so when a team signs a player at your position, it kind of eliminates that a little bit. But this offseason was a little easier to handle mentally.”
Hoerner was linked to quite a few different teams as a potential trade target. Most notably, the Boston Red Sox were consistently connected to him.
Losing Bregman was a tough blow for the Red Sox. They could have replaced him with Hoerner, but Chicago hasn’t seemed motivated to move on from its elite second baseman.
At this point in time, Hoerner appears likely to at least begin the season with the Cubs. He could still be moved if the right deal is offered, or he could still be a long-term fit in Chicago.
What Does Nico Hoerner Bring to the Field for the Cubs?
Heading into the 2026 MLB season, Hoerner is going to be a huge part of the Cubs’ World Series hopes.
Last season in Chicago, the 28-year-old infielder played in 156 games. He hit seven home runs to go along with 61 RBI and 29 stolen bases. Hoerner also produced a slash line of .297/.345/.394.
Making the decision to trade that production away would be difficult for Hoyer to do. Hoerner is one of the most consistent bats on the roster. His defense is elite and he’s an impact player on the bases as well.
It seems likely that Horner will play the 2026 season with the Cubs. That could change, but the two sides remain together despite the swirling trade rumors.
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