Cubs Rumors: Nico Hoerner trade idea just reached a shocking level of belief

In the aftermath of signing Alex Bregman, there's been speculation that the Chicago Cubs could look to trade Nico Hoerner. Trading Hoerner would clear $12 million from the team's books for the 2026 season and provide the team with some space before reaching the first level of the CBT. While the expectation was that the Cubs needed to be blown away to trade Hoerner, the rumors may have reached a new level of fear.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the San Francisco Giants are "aggressively" looking for a second baseman and are currently engaged with the Cubs on a potential trade for Hoerner, and also the St. Louis Cardinals on a potential deal for Brendan Donovan.

The San Francisco Giants are aggressively pursuing a second baseman and have been engaged with Chicago on Nico Hoerner and St. Louis on Brendan Donovan, sources tell ESPN. An infield of Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Donovan or Hoerner and Rafael Devers would be among MLB's best.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2026

It's rare for Passan to simply tweet out a rumor, so the impression is that the Giants are making progress in their trade talks.

Considering Hoerner is a fan-favorite and a clear candidate for an extension from the Cubs, it's only natural for Cubs fans to roll their eyes upon first glance at this rumor. There are very minimal scenarios where the Cubs would be a better team in 2026 without Hoerner on their major league roster.

Nico Hoerner linked to the San Francisco Giants in trade rumors that are only getting louder.

There's one potential scenario that could be at play.

The Giants have been linked to Donovan throughout the offseason, and since no trade has been completed yet, it's a sign that talks with the Cardinals may be at an impasse. After the Cubs added Bregman, it's certainly plausible that the Giants re-engaged the Cubs on a potential trade for Hoerner with the hope of adding some urgency to their talks with the Cardinals.

A scenario also exists where the Giants' aggressiveness reaches a point where they make an offer to the Cubs that they can't refuse. As painful as it may be for Cubs fans, it would be a scenario where the Cubs would be better off making the trade.

Regardless, even if the Giants trade for Donovan in the days ahead, there likely will be no end to the Hoerner trade rumors until Opening Day.

Nico Hoerner linked to the San Francisco Giants in trade rumors that are only getting louder.

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