The Seattle Mariners could soon benefit from Alex Bregman’s deal with the Chicago Cubs. The All-Star third baseman shocked many around the league by signing a five-year, $175 million deal with Chicago. While the Cubs landed the marquee free agent, they now potentially have a surplus of infielders.
Bregman will undoubtedly be the team’s starting third baseman come opening day. Chicago also has Dansby Swanson at shortstop. There could, however, be a significant change at second base. Nico Hoerner, despite being one of the top second basemen in MLB, could soon hit the trade market.
Despite his star status, he is set to enter his final year under contract with the Cubs. The team’s undisputed preferred option is to keep Hoerner for 2026. Nevertheless, assuming the two sides cannot agree to an extension, Chicago may opt to trade him this winter. If so, the Mariners, along with a handful of other teams, would love to discuss a potential deal. The Cubs could move top prospect Matt Shaw from third to second in this scenario.
According to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, the Mariners and Cubs talked about a trade involving Hoerner in 2025. Although a deal was not ironed out, Seattle remains interested in the two-time Gold Glover. As of now, former top prospect Cole Young is penciled in as the club’s opening day starter at second base. While the youngster is clearly talented, Hoerner would widely be considered an upgrade at the position.
Seattle Mariners Make Nico Hoerner a Surprising Plan B Option
GettyNico Hoerner has been linked to several teams so far this winter.
Hoerner may be wanted by Seattle, but he is not the team’s plan A at the moment. Jude claims that St. Louis Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan remains the club’s top priority. The news could confuse some Mariners fans. After all, Hoerner’s WAR more than doubled Donovan’s in 2025. Nonetheless, Seattle rates the Cardinals‘ star highly because of his versatility.
If acquired, Donovan could immediately become the Mariners’ starter at second base. He, however, can slot in at third base and even the outfield as well. The star has played a majority of his MLB career at second base, but has registered 186 games in the outfield, 46 at third base, and 14 at shortstop. This versatility would be a fairly significant asset to Seattle.
The Cardinals are making Donovan a potential trade candidate because they are in the midst of a rebuild. The club has already dealt veterans Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado so far this winter. Donovan appears to be the most likely player to be traded next.
Seattle Would Have Three Top Ten Players in Baseball if Move is Made
While the Mariners could be focused on Donovan, Hoerner is about as good a plan B as a team could have. According to Baseball Reference, the infielder’s 6.2 WAR in 2025 was only topped by six players. This particular figure was level with Juan Soto and Corey Seager, and only barely beaten by superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Potentially acquiring Hoerner would give Seattle an incredible trio in its lineup alongside Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez. The three were all ranked inside baseball’s top 10 list in total WAR during the most recent season. The Mariners, however, may want Hoerner to agree to a contract extension before making the move, though.
Mariners Linked with Massive Trade to Address Key Need