#nico-hoerner

#nico-hoerner

Depending on whether you prefer FanGraphs (4.8 fWAR) or Baseball Reference (6.1 bWAR), Nico Hoerner was either the best or second-best player on the 92-win Chicago Cubs by the crude measure of individual player WAR. But given his performance in the second half of the season (122 wRC+, 2.4 WAR) and in the playoffs (172 wRC+, HR, SB), I don't think it's a stretch to say he was THE most impactful Cubs player of the year.

When it comes to a team like the Yankees potentially wanting Hoerner, they do not have many pieces that would make a trade worthwhile for the Cubs. Anyone the Cubs might want, such as Cam Schlittler or Ben Rice, is likely not available. The Yankees could really use Hoerner, but the Cubs have no need for the pieces Brian Cashman could offer in a potential deal.

Hoerner is a staple of the Cubs' elite defense, winning his second Gold Glove Award in 2025. He totalled 14 outs above average (OAA) and a fielding run value of 12, both of which were twice as high as any other second baseman in the game. His ability to play shortstop at a high level adds even more value and has other teams eyeing him as a trade target.

MLB's offseason weather is changing at a similar pace, with deals coming in fits and starts between periods of inactivity. Josh Naylor was the first big chip off the board, then came Dylan Cease about two weeks later. Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Diaz inked deals in quick succession about a week after Cease, after which Pete Alonso got paid. There have been other signings, to be sure, but the dam is far from breaking.