It sure sounds like one of Cody Bellinger or Nico Hoerner will be traded this offseason

The addition of outfielder prospect Owen Caissie to the Chicago Cubs' 40-man roster on Tuesday was a reminder that the Cubs will need to be creative this offseason as they look for improvements to their Major League roster.

Through trade to address another area of need on the Cubs' roster or given a runway for regular plate appearances at the Major League level, Caissie figures to be a factor for the Major League roster during the 2025 season.

While Caissie was a popular name mentioned in trade talks during the GM meetings two weeks ago, it may be Cody Bellinger or Nico Hoerner who is traded by the Cubs this offseason. In breaking down the addition of Caissie to the Cubs' 40-man roster, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic (Subscription Required) mentioned that there is "no doubt" that Bellinger or Hoerner could be available in trade talks this offseason.

Mooney floats that both Bellinger and Nico Hioerner could be dealt this offseason but does offer some pushback to the idea.

That doesn’t mean it will be simple for a data-driven front office to find matching value for Bellinger, the former MVP who’s coming off a down season and able to earn $30 million next year. It might also be nearly impossible to sell high in a deal involving Hoerner, a solid homegrown player who’s recovering from flexor tendon surgery.

This is not the first time that we have heard that Bellinger or Hoerner may be available in trade talks this offseason. Last week, Jeff Passan mentioned that both players are among the notable trade candidates this winter.

The trading of Bellinger would create a runway for Caissie to have regular plate appearances at the Major League level. Meanwhile, the trading of Hoerner would allow the Cubs to pencil in second base as the position for top prospect Matt Shaw.

The idea of the Cubs trading Bellinger or Hoerner is not a comfortable discussion. However, it is one the organization is forced to have given their refusal to enter the Juan Soto sweepstakes this offseason.

The case of Brennen Davis should also give the Cubs caution in being patient with their prospects. Davis was once the top prospect of the Cubs' farm system and, at one point, figured to be at the center of the next Cubs' contending core. Instead, a crippling back injury led Davis never reaching the Major League level with the Cubs before being designated for assignment on Tuesday.

The Cubs will need to avoid that approach with their next crop of prospects. Whether that means trading current members of the core, such as Bellinger or Hoerner, or moving the prospects while their value is high, the Cubs can't sit on their hands this offseason when it comes to managing the top of their farm system.