New Mariners rumor confirms Nico Hoerner trade talks and what the Cubs are seeking

Heading into the offseason, the Chicago Cubs had two potential trade candidates on their hands in Cody Bellinger and Nico Hoerner. While the former's market has been heating up as the team looks to free up salary and open a spot for other opportunities, there's more uncertainty surrounding a deal for their Gold Glove second baseman. He's the more valuable of the two given his affordable contract, stellar defense and extra year of guaranteed control, but it's unclear if anyone will value him quite as much as the Cubs do, especially after undergoing flexor tendon surgery.

One possible partner that seemed like a good match given their holes was the Seattle Mariners. They need cost-controlled offense, particularly in the infield, and they have a wealth of young, talented starting pitchers - Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo - from which the Cubs would be more than happy to partake. Between Hoerner and their plethora of top-100 prospects, the pieces are there to get a deal done.

That could still be possible, but recent reports suggest Hoerner wouldn't be at the top of the Mariners' holiday shopping list. Ken Rosenthal writes at The Athletic (subscription required) that Seattle is now more focused on third base than second for their upgrade. They have some in-house options, like Dylan Moore, Ryan Bliss, and especially top prospect Cole Young, for the middle infield, but fewer names that could take up the hot corner.

There will be avenues for the Mariners if they specifically want corner infield upgrades too. For example, the Phillies are reportedly shopping Alec Bohm and post-hype prospect Brett Baty could be looking for a change of scenery from the Mets after the breakout of Mark Vientos. Neither of those guys would require dipping into their well of pitching either.

That's not to say the Cubs couldn't still get involved. They could sell low on Isaac Paredes (which feels unlikely and wouldn't net the arm they want) or dip into their high-end prospect depth to get something done. If there's no interest in Hoerner, you can count on names like Matt Shaw and James Triantos popping up, given the controllability and upside those Mariners starters have.

Seattle Mariners remain a popular destination for Nico Hoerner

It's possible that a deal still comes together to send Hoerner to Seattle. Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports that while Bohm is a name that fits what the Mariners are looking for this offseason, Seattle has had preliminary talks with the Cubs about a deal that would send Hoerner to the West Coast. Jude notes that the Cubs are seeking Major League talent in a potential trade of Hoerner.

Of course, Seattle isn't the only team that might be interested in Hoerner coming off another solid season in which he hit .273/.335/.373 and racked up 10 outs above average. The New York Yankees, in particular, have been pegged as a likely suitor for both Bellinger and Hoerner, especially if they can't bring back Juan Soto. Gleyber Torres is a free agent and they could benefit heavily from the boost in defense at second base.