Jeff Passan Fires Up Nico Hoerner Trade Speculation

Nico Hoerner has been the subject of trade speculation among the fan base since the end of the regular season and now ESPN's Jeff Passan is pouring more gasoline into the possibility that the Cubs middle infielder will be on the trade block this offseason.

In his offseason preview, Passan listed several players who could be available in a trade this winter and a pair of Cubs players were named. Along with Hoerner, outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger was part of the group named as a potential trade chip.

However, it was Hoerner who got the specific note from Passan.

Via ESPN.

Nico Hoerner, second baseman: The Cubs don't have to trade the 27-year-old this winter, but with Matt Shaw big-league-ready, they could use Hoerner to land a starting pitcher. Hoerner's ability to play shortstop as well is appealing to teams interested in middle-infield help. Another Cub available: Cody Bellinger, who opted into a $27.5 million salary for 2025.

Hoerner has two years left on his contract extension, but his immediate future with the Cubs is a bit clouded following his offseason forearm surgery.

Now, so far Jed Hoyer and the front office have spoken confidently about Hoerner's recovery and local beat reporters have not given the indication that Hoerner will be shopped around in the offseason.

However, there's a reason that fans have brought up the chances of a Hoerner trade and a big reason is that top prospect Matt Shaw may be shaping up as the team's next premier player and his primary position is at second base, where Hoerner is currently the regular starter.

There's also the need of improving the starting rotation heading into 2025 and Hoerner is one of the few players on the team that one, does not have a no-trade clause and more importantly is valuable enough to bring back a good player in return via trade. If the Cubs feel Shaw is ready to step into second base and be the every-day starter in 2025, then a Hoerner trade is definitely conceivable.

I have my doubts though. Again, Hoerner's status for the start of the 2025 season is up in the air and while his offense didn't take a dip while he was dealing with the arm injury, Hoerner acknowledged that it did affect his throws. I'm sure teams would try to drive Hoerner's value down by raising questions about his surgery recovery.

Also, maybe I could be completely wrong, but it just seems like Hoerner is the type of player this front office is trying to build its team's identity around. A strong defensive player who has a versatile skill-set that isn't one-dimensional as an offensive player.

However, if another team values Hoerner the same way the Cubs do, and view him as a potential option at shortstop, he was great there in 2022, then I certainly would not rule out a trade because that means the Cubs would be getting a good player in return. As Passan wrote, it could be for a pitcher and we know pitching is Chicago's top priority this winter.

As for Bellinger, I'm just not sure there's much value there given his OK production in 2024, big salary in 2025 and him most likely opting out to become a free agent after the 2025 season. I could only see a move here if the Cubs make some other blockbuster type trade or sign a huge free agent and need to clear some payroll.

So, out of the two, Hoerner is the much more realistic trade candidate.