The Chicago Cubs should steer clear of making reckless decisions, such as trading Nico Hoerner. This team has recently found a promising path toward a successful offseason, and for the first time in quite a while, they actually seized the opportunity. The last thing anyone in their corner wants is for the front office to do something ill-advised like parting ways with Hoerner.
Leading up to this season, the Cubs’ management had their eyes on acquiring starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, a target they had been pursuing since at least the previous trade deadline. Their efforts paid off last week when they completed the move to bring him into the fold. Additionally, the front office has admired Alex Bregman’s talent for over a year, and on a historic Saturday evening at Wrigley Field, they outbid their competitors to secure Bregman on a five-year, $175 million contract. This deal features an average annual value of roughly $30-31 million, including deferrals.
Chicago sports fans are currently energized about their Bears and their Cubs. The only way to dampen this enthusiasm would be if the Cubs’ management decided to trade Nico Hoerner. It doesn’t matter that such a trade could potentially offer more flexibility under the luxury tax threshold—according to the roster resource, the Cubs sit just under $1 million below the current $244 million cap. Plus, Hoerner’s remaining year on his contract shouldn’t, and generally wouldn’t, be a significant obstacle.
None of these considerations should hinder a team that, on paper, seems poised to contend again this season. Trading away Hoerner—a leader in the clubhouse, a top-tier defender, and an above-average offensive contributor—would be contrary to the ultimate goal of winning championships.
As of now, there’s no indication that the Cubs are actively looking to trade Hoerner, but they have received inquiries from other teams. While they are not obliged to entertain every offer, they will listen, and if an offer is compelling enough, they might decide that trading him is the best move.
Nevertheless, a team focused on winning now would prioritize keeping Hoerner. His value is clearly reflected in WAR statistics, where he led all second basemen with a 4.8 rating according to FanGraphs, and Baseball-Reference’s metric was even more optimistic, ranking him fourth among all National League position players. Hoerner has earned two Gold Glove awards, garnered MVP votes last season, competed for a batting title, and ranks fifth in stolen bases over the past four seasons with a total of 123.
Beyond the statistics, Hoerner embodies intangible qualities that organizations highly value. Even a front office that leans heavily on data appreciates these traits. This was evident when the Cubs signed Justin Turner last spring, and their interest in Bregman was also partly driven by these qualities.
As manager Craig Counsell explained in December at the Winter Meetings, Hoerner excels at some things that others might think they do well but actually don’t quite match up. He highlighted Hoerner’s consistency and dedication—showing up every day, completing every task perfectly. Counsell emphasized that Hoerner’s work ethic and reliability hadn’t gone unnoticed, describing him as someone who exemplifies those qualities amid the many ups and downs of baseball. That kind of mental makeup is a significant factor contributing to a player’s success.
Trading Hoerner could also be a way to help rebuild or strengthen other parts of the organization, especially the farm system, which has experienced some draining over the past couple of years. It could also free up nearly $12 million in payroll expenses. These are valid reasons to consider such a move. However, the emotional and cultural impact of his absence on the team must also be acknowledged. Teammates would likely be disappointed, and his leadership presence would be missed—an important consideration, even amidst business decisions.
Furthermore, the luxury tax, often portrayed as a limiting ceiling, shouldn’t be a barrier for a team like the Cubs. Their consistent sellouts at Wrigley Field and the surrounding community’s support make it clear that the team is committed to competing at the highest level. Their financial flexibility remains intact, and the penalties—both financial and competitive—that can come with surpassing the luxury tax are manageable for such a well-supported franchise.
For too long, the Cubs have held back with cautious moves and half-measures instead of fully embracing a championship-winning mentality. They hired Craig Counsell but then waited months without making a significant roster upgrade. They traded for Kyle Tucker but failed to add the starting pitcher they desperately needed for the following season. Now, finally, they are acting as many fans always hoped they would, making bold decisions—like acquiring Bregman—a move that signals a shift toward being more aggressive.
When the trade deadline arrives, the Cubs should be prepared to add whatever pieces they might need to bolster their chances. That’s what big-market teams do—they don't hesitate to make impactful moves. Saturday’s acquisition of Bregman was just the beginning, a clear statement of intent. It’s time for the Cubs to really accelerate their efforts, take control of a division long dominated by the Milwaukee Brewers, and push for a championship. Settling for less or taking a step back at this stage should not be an option.
