Cubs Rumors: Nico Hoerner trade speculation continues to surface

The Chicago Cubs including third baseman Isaac Paredes in the trade for Kyle Tucker last month should have put an end to the speculation that Nico Hoerner was going to be on the move this offseason.

Prior to the Tucker trade, Hoerner's name was popular in trade rumors, specifically with the Seattle Mariners as the Cubs were looking for a starting pitcher.

While the Cubs still have a need for a starting pitcher, moving Hoerner to accomplish that goal no longer seems to be an idea that holds much merit. What wasn't being mentioned at the time the Hoerner rumors first surfaced, beyond the need the Cubs had for a starting pitcher, there was a need to create a path to playing time at the Major League level for Matt Shaw. With Paredes no longer a part of the organization, Shaw seems destined to be the Cubs' Opening Day third baseman.

Considering the logic that is lacking in the Cubs trading Hoerner at this point in their offseason, it's a move that continues to be speculated about. In his reset of Major League Baseball's offseason, Bob Nightengale of USA Today listed Hoerner among baseball's top trade candidates.

A Nico Hoerner trade doesn't seem all that likely for the Cubs.

There was no context added but it would seem that Nightengale is basing Hoerner's inclusion based one earlier rumors this offseason. However, moving Hoerner would leave a sizable void at second base for the Cubs. Sure, a prospect like James Triantos could fill that void but that would be an extreme risk for a team needing to contend in 2025.

No, the Cubs aren't moving Michael Busch from first base, so trading Hoerner for a starting pitcher and then signing Pete Alonso doesn't seem all that likely either.

There was a very small path earlier this season that could lead the Cubs in the direction of trading Hoerner. That path is no longer visible short of a team like the New York Yankees getting desperate in their search for an infield upgrade.