THE CHRISTMAS “CHECK-IN”
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—The MLB hot stove just got a holiday jolt. As of December 19, 2025, multiple reports—led by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle—confirm that the San Francisco Giants have officially contacted the Chicago Cubs to gauge the availability of two-time Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner.
The Giants, who have been searching for a defensive anchor to pair with Willy Adames (Shortstop) and Matt Chapman (Third Base), view Hoerner as the “final piece” of an elite, run-prevention infield.
THE “PERSONAL TWIST”: A BAY AREA HOMECOMING?
While the trade would “shock” Chicago, it makes undeniable sense for Hoerner. The 28-year-old is an Oakland native, a Stanford graduate, and grew up a die-hard Bay Area sports fan.
- The Fit: Hoerner’s high-contact, gap-to-gap hitting style is seen as a perfect match for the spacious dimensions of Oracle Park.
- The “Home” Advantage: For Hoerner, a trade to San Francisco would be the ultimate homecoming, moving him just miles from where he first fell in love with the game.
BY THE NUMBERS: THE HOERNER VALUE
Hoerner is coming off a massive 2025 campaign that solidified him as one of the most valuable all-around players in the National League.
| Metric | Nico Hoerner (2025) | The “Gold Standard” |
| Wins Above Replacement | 6.2 WAR | Best among all 2025 Cubs. |
| Batting Average | .297 | Second in the National League. |
| Defense | 17 DRS | Led all MLB second basemen in Defensive Runs Saved. |
| Contract | $12M (2026) | Entering the final year of his deal. |
| Speed | 29 Stolen Bases | Remained a constant threat on the paths. |
THE STRATEGIC GAMBLE: WHY THE CUBS WOULD EVEN LISTEN
Trading a “fan favorite” and clubhouse leader like Hoerner is a risky move for Cubs President Jed Hoyer, but there is a calculated “Bregman” logic behind it:
- The Alex Bregman Pursuit: The Cubs are currently the frontrunners to sign free-agent 3B Alex Bregman. If they land him, they could slide rookie sensation Matt Shaw (who hit .285 in 2025) to second base, making Hoerner an “expendable” trade chip to secure elite pitching.
- The Contract Cliff: Hoerner is set to hit free agency after the 2026 season. If the Cubs don’t believe they can reach a $100M+ extension, trading him now—at his peak value—prevents them from losing him for nothing.
- The Return: The Giants are reportedly dangling former top prospect Casey Schmitt and a package of international pitching prospects like Keyner Martinez.
THE VERDICT: A BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF WRIGLEY
For Cubs fans, Hoerner is the “heart and hustle” of the team. Trading him right after a 2025 playoff run feels like a step backward, even if it clears space for a superstar like Bregman. As one analyst at Bleacher Nation put it: “You don’t just replace 6.2 WAR and a Gold Glove with a ‘strategic gamble.’ If Hoyer moves Nico, he better win the World Series in 2026, or the fans will never forgive him.”
