The Chicago Cubs’ offseason has been marked more by what hasn’t happened than what has. With Tatsuya Imai reportedly slipping through their fingers and the Hot Stove season starting to heat up elsewhere, Cubs fans are growing increasingly anxious, and with good reason. A team that came within inches of postseason glory in 2025 has been eerily quiet, and now the Nico Hoerner trade chatter has entered the room.
The Bo Bichette Rumors: Star Power, but at What Cost?
At the heart of it all lies Bo Bichette, whose name has surfaced in Cubs rumors with increasing frequency. On paper, the idea of adding Bichette, an explosive bat and two-time All-Star, sounds compelling. But the potential price? Nico Hoerner, the heartbeat of Chicago’s infield and a defensive stalwart at second base.
Let’s not get this twisted: Bo Bichette can hit. His offensive upside is undeniable, and he’s still just 27. But moving Hoerner, a .297 hitter who swiped 29 bags last season and plays Gold Glove-caliber defense, would be a seismic shift for the Cubs’ identity. More than just his numbers, Hoerner is the kind of gritty, high-IQ player that playoff rosters are built around. He’s not flashy—but he’s consistent. Reliable. And for a team that’s been searching for stability since its 2016 World Series triumph, that matters.
Boston’s Interest Adds Fuel to the Fire
Still, trade speculation continues to swirl, and one proposal from Jackson Roberts of On SI has caught attention: shipping Hoerner to the Boston Red Sox. It’s not the wildest idea. Boston has had a second base void since the twilight years of Dustin Pedroia. They’ve been sniffing around Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte, signaling clear intent to upgrade.
Could Hoerner thrive in Fenway? Absolutely. His bat plays to all fields, and the Green Monster could turn his already respectable doubles total into something eye-catching. A .297 average, 29 doubles, and 29 stolen bases? That’s production every team wants, and it’s not hard to see him becoming a fan favorite in Boston quickly.
Cubs Must Weigh Present Identity Against Future Flexibility
But the Cubs need to be careful here. With only one year of club control remaining, Hoerner is nearing a contractual crossroads, but flipping him for the wrong return could be a catastrophic misstep. Unless the Cubs land a haul that undeniably elevates the roster, perhaps a controllable starting pitcher or a top-tier outfield bat, they risk robbing themselves of a core contributor in the name of speculation.
The Cubs have options, and the market is waking up. But with so much hanging in the balance, Jed Hoyer and company need to ask themselves a tough question: Are they building around the team that nearly made a deep run in 2025, or tearing it apart in pursuit of something flashier?
