Cubs’ Alex Bregman announcement sends a quiet message on Nico Hoerner trade buzz

The Chicago Cubs announced the signing of All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, revealing that his introductory press conference will take place on Thursday morning. In making the announcement, the Cubs revealed that Bregman will be switching his number to No. 3. Bregman wore No. 2 with both the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, but it's a number that will continue to belong to Nico Hoerner.

First and foremost, Bregman's willingness to switch numbers speaks to the reputation he has developed. Beyond his ability on the field, Bregman has ascended toward being a leader in every clubhouse that he is in.

It's a small detail, but considering he has one of the richest deals in team history, it would have been easy for him to want to keep his number. Instead, respecting Hoerner's place on the Cubs, Bregman was willing to switch to No. 3.

Cubs may have just made their Nico Hoerner intentions clear with Alex Bregman announcement

As long as Hoerner is on the Cubs, Bregman will be No. 3. Since the signing, there's been speculation that the Cubs could look to move Hoerner as a way to clear payroll. A fever pitch was started when ESPN's Jeff Passan reported earlier this week that the San Francisco Giants are "aggressively" looking for a second baseman, and have been engaged in trade talks with the Cubs involving Hoerner.

There have been multiple reports that have surfaced since Passan's intel, suggesting that a trade of Hoerner is still viewed as being unlikely.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required) notes that the Cubs would need to be overwhelmed to trade Hoerner, floating a package from the Boston Red Sox that includes one of Connelly Early or Payton Tolle as the type of offer that Jed Hoyer and Co, would consider.

North Side Baseball's Matthew Trueblood adds that all things being equal, the Cubs would prefer to trade Matt Shaw instead of Hoerner. Trueblood also adds that a trade of either infielder is unlikely, but a team like the Kansas City Royals could make a compelling offer.

Circumstances can change quickly in the offseason, so there is always a chance that a trade does matieralize. For now, the likeliest outcome is that Bregman is added to an infield that will include Hoerner and can be viewed as one of the best groups in all of baseball.