The Chicago Cubs are looking to get back to the playoffs again this season, and they could make a surprising decision on a fan-favorite.
Nico Hoerner has been a key part of the Cubs roster. But his name came up in trade rumors this offseason. However, he wasn’t dealt. Now, Cubs insider Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic believes Chicago could look to extend him before the season begins.
“The Cubs have three key position players who will be free agents after this season: Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner,” Sharma wrote. “An argument can be made for extending any of the trio, but all eyes will be on Hoerner this spring. Hoerner has emerged as the heart and soul of the team. …
“The uncertainty around the CBA could muck up how the Cubs view things here, but the reality is Hoerner is a perfect fit for a team that seems to have the potential to contend for a few years moving forward. The next couple of free-agent classes don’t look outwardly strong at the moment, and Hoerner could be at the top of the class next winter. The Cubs should try to keep him off the market if they can.”
Hoerner is a defensive wizard who would be highly sought after in free agency. So, Sharma believes the Cubs need to try to extend him to keep him around, as he’s also an important part of the clubhouse.
Hoerner is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, winning the award in 2023 and 2025.
Hoerner was a Potential Trade Candidate
With Hoerner set to be a free agent at the end of the season, his name came up in trade talks this offseason.
As the offseason continued, it was reported that the Cubs were linked to trading Hoerner and/or Matt Shaw. Their names came up as trade candidates after Chicago signed Alex Bregman.
However, Cubs star infielder Dansby Swanson is hopeful that Hoerner remains with the team. Swanson also said he’s an important part of the team.
“Nico means the world to me and to this team, just who he is as a person,” Swanson said. “He brings the same type of energy and competitive spirit that Alex does. He’s somebody that’s just a darn good player, a really good winner, and irreplaceable, really.”
With spring training beginning this week, it does seem likely that Hoerner will at least begin the season with the Cubs.
Hoerner Wants to Remain With the Cubs
Although Hoerner’s name did come up in trade talks, he has made it clear he wants to remain with the Cubs.
Hoerner enjoys playing in Chicago and with the current group, and said he hopes to remain a Cub.
“I definitely want to be here for this season and to be a part of this group,” Hoerner said. “There’s been a really steady arc of improvement here. I think we all wish we had made the playoffs earlier and gone further last year. But you still have to appreciate progress. And we’re in a position now to take the next step.”
However, whether or not that will lead to an extension is to be seen. But it’s certainly possible if the Cubs do decide not to trade him.
Cubs Linked to Making Surprising Decision on Two-Time Gold Glove Infielder