The New York Yankees are being linked with a major trade to help solve a roster problem. On the surface, New York does not have any serious issues with their lineup. After all, the Bronx Bombers scored the most runs in all of Major League Baseball in 2025. Nevertheless, most of the team’s firepower comes from the left side of the plate.
The top priority for the Yankees at the moment appears to be signing Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker. While grabbing either of the two stars would be a huge move, both outfielders are left-handed hitters. Because of this, New York is expected to target right-handed position players ahead of the 2026 season.
Not only do the Yankees prefer to bring in a righty, but they are apparently “obsessed” with the idea, according to Jim Bowden. The former executive made the claim during a recent appearance on MLB Radio. Bowden went on to suggest that New York could become a potential landing spot for free agent Bo Bichette. The move, however, seems somewhat unlikely.
Instead, Bowden claimed the Yankees are interested in trading for Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner. “Bichette makes a lot of sense to play second base for them, Chisholm gets moved to third, or maybe they even trade Chisholm to sign Bichette,” said the analyst.” I’ve also heard them linked to Nico Hoerner.”
New York Yankees Would Need to Extend Nico Hoerner if Acquired
GettyNico Hoerner has established himself as one of the best second basemen in baseball.
Hoerner has become a shock trade candidate since the 2025 campaign ended. The Cubs would undoubtedly prefer to keep the reigning two-time Gold Glove winner. Nevertheless, the star’s current contract is set to expire after 2026, and he will be a free agent at this time next year. If extension talks continue to stall, Chicago could ultimately listen to offers for Hoerner.
Assuming Hoerner is acquired, Chisholm would either move to third base or be put on the trade block. New York’s potential interest in trading the infielder would be interesting. Chisholm is coming off a very solid 2025, where his 4.2 WAR only trailed Aaron Judge and Bellinger on the team.
Despite this, Chisholm’s name has surfaced in trade talks in recent weeks. Much like Hoerner, the current Yankee star’s contract will also end after 2026. Chisholm is yet another lefty in New York’s lineup as well. Yankees GM Brian Cashman has publicly declared that his team is far too left-handed and changes are needed.
Potential Trade Could be Difficult for Yankees to Pull Off
One potentially significant issue for the Yankees in their pursuit of Hoerner is the fact that their prospect pool is not particularly great. In fact, New York was rated as the 22nd-best farm system in baseball back in August. As a result, the Cubs, or any other team for that matter, may not find what they are looking for from the Yankees in a trade.
If New York can find a way to acquire Hoerner, the star would seemingly be a perfect fit in the Bronx. On top of playing Gold Glove defense, he is also a very capable hitter. Hoerner hit .297 to go along with a .345 OBP and 29 steals in 2025. His impressive 6.2 WAR also led all MLB second basemen on the year, equalling superstar outfielder Juan Soto.
Yankees Linked With Major Trade to Address Key Need