The post Cubs’ Nico Hoerner trade rumors turn to contract ideas originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract that changes the entire complexion of their roster.
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Prior to that, it looked like Matt Shaw would start at third base with Nico Hoerner at second.
Bregman is a third baseman, though, so something has to give.
Bregman will serve at third. Where is Xiao going? Was Horner moved?
Although Hoerner is coming off the best season of his NHL career, this free-agent deal has landed him in a lot of trade rumors.
Now, though, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes an extension may be more important than a trade.
“The Cubs re-signed Horner to a three-year, $35 million contract extension in March 2023, buying out his final two years of arbitration and his first year of free agency in the process,” Feinsand wrote in a new article on Thursday. “The signing of Alex Bregman this winter turned Matt Shaw into a utility role, potentially allowing him to replace Horner in a year, but Horner has proven himself to be a commodity coming off his best season (6.2 earned runs in 156 games). The Cubs may consider extending Horner again, especially if they like the idea of Shaw moving around the diamond.”
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Hoerner might get some stability in the trade, possibly another pitcher. Given Shaw’s youth and recent status as a senior prospect, he may also have trade value of his own.
However, Chicago could also sit still and find a way to use both Shaw and Horner. It’s an option worth considering, especially considering how well-liked Hoerner seems to be in the clubhouse.
The Cubs probably don’t have to rush here, so it will be interesting to see what they ultimately decide.
