“MY HEART BELONGS TO THE CHICAGO FANS”
Chicago Cubs star infielder Nico Hoerner, 28, has addressed the growing trade rumors surrounding him, providing an emotional statement that reaffirmed his deep commitment to the franchise and its fanbase. The speculation spiked following reports that President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is actively gauging Hoerner’s market value in potential deals to acquire a front-end starting pitcher or a star third baseman.
“Nobody knows what the future holds, but right now, I’m still a Cubs player, and my heart belongs to the Chicago fans,” Hoerner stated. “I’m focused on being the best leader I can be for this team as we prepare to bring a championship back to Wrigley.”
THE STATS THAT MAKE HIM A TRADE ASSET
Hoerner’s emotional commitment is matched by his immense value on the field, which is precisely why his name is surfacing in trade talks. He is coming off an outstanding 2025 season that earned him his second Gold Glove and put him among the league’s most valuable all-around players:
- Batting Average: $.297$
- Stolen Bases: 29
- WAR: $6.2$ (Ranked among the MLB leaders)
- Contract: Affordable at $12 million for the 2026 season (his final year before free agency).
Hoerner’s elite defense at second base and his ability to play shortstop (where he excelled in 2022) make him an “ideal trade candidate” for multiple contending teams, including the Yankees, Braves, and Red Sox, who desperately need middle-infield security.
THE INFIELD LOGJAM: WHY THE RUMORS ARE REAL
While the Cubs value Hoerner’s production and leadership, the trade rumors are a direct result of the front office’s pursuit of a premium offensive upgrade, which creates an infield logjam involving top prospect Matt Shaw:
- The Scenario: If the Cubs sign a star third baseman like Alex Bregman or Eugenio Suárez, they would need to find a new spot for young Matt Shaw.
- The Chain Reaction: Moving Shaw to Hoerner’s second base position would make Hoerner the most valuable and tradable piece, potentially allowing the Cubs to acquire an ace starting pitcher (like Tarik Skubal or MacKenzie Gore) or a key outfielder without gutting their entire farm system.
The Cubs front office operates without much sentiment, and despite Hoerner’s popularity and genuine appreciation for the franchise, they are using the offseason to gauge the value of nearly every player on the roster. Hoerner’s statement reassures fans of his focus but does not quell the underlying tension of a front office prioritizing strategic roster construction.
