Bo Bichette to Cubs makes sense in just one scenario (and it’s a big ask)

After missing out on Tatsuya Imai, the Chicago Cubs' offseason remains incomplete. As the Cubs continue to map out potential moves between now and the start of spring training in February, it seems that they are keeping all remaining options on the table. That includes expressing some interest in free-agent infielder Bo Bichette.

While mentioning that the Cubs are receiving trade interest in second baseman Nico Hoerner, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that North Siders are among the teams that have checked in on Bichette.

The Cubs have loosely been connected to the veteran second baseman in recent years, but Heyman's mention is the first time there has been a direct link. There's really only one scenario where such a move is likely.

Cubs Rumors: Bo Bichette interest is likely tied to front office's exploration for creativity

The Cubs are not shopping Hoerner this winter, but given his contract status, it makes sense why teams are asking about him. In recent weeks, the San Francisco Giants have emerged as a theoretical suitor for Hoerner.

If nothing else, Jed Hoyer and Co. like to discuss multiple scenarios throughout the offseason. It would seem likely that they have thought out a scenario where Hoerner was traded this winter, and the team then pivoted in the direction of Bichette to replace him at second base.

It's a scenario that shouldn't be viewed as likely, but again, speaks to the different paths that remain available to the Cubs this offseason. Not to mention, it's a scenario that may not put the Cubs' offense in a better position than the one they were in at the end of the 2025 season.

Outside of Hoerner being traded, it's hard to imagine the Cubs being the suitor for Bichette, as that would signal a move to third base. Bichette has never played third base at the major league level, and beyond the avoidance by the Cubs for long-term deals, they almost certainly wouldn't make an exception for a player who doesn't fit their run-prevention model.

A return to Toronto was among the stronger possibilities for Bichette to start the day on Saturday. That may no longer be the case with the Blue Jays landing Kazuma Okamoto.

Where things may get murky is if the Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker. That could create a situation where Bichette's free agency is then tied to the Cubs' interest in Alex Bregman. The Boston Red Sox have been connected to Bichette, and if they were to sign him, that may improve the Cubs' chances of landing Bregman.

We are quickly reaching the point of the offseason where the Cubs need to stop mapping out scenarios and simply act. Their patience has backfired, and they now face the chance of entering the 2026 season with a worse roster than the one they had in 2025.