Nico Hoerner injury won't alter Jed Hoyer's plan for the second base position

At the start of the offseason, the early sense is that the Chicago Cubs' core position players will not be dramatically changed.

Cody Bellinger's return for the 2025 season all but locks up the starting lineup with the exception of catcher but there does remain some question of Nico Hoerner's status. After undergoing offseason surgery, it remains uncertain if Hoerner will be ready to play in time for Opening Day next season.

Regardless of whether Hoerner is ready for Opening Day or not, the injury won't shift the Cubs' plans this offseason. In speaking with reporters at the GM Meetings on Monday night, Jed Hoyer all but ruled out the idea of adding a middle infielder this offseason as a potential starter in place of an injured Hoerner.

Even with the injury to Hoerner, the Cubs have a logjam of infielders. Between Michael Busch, Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith, James Triantos, and Matt Shaw, the Cubs have several internal solutions who could fill-in at second base during Hoerner's recovery.

It would seem that Triantos and Shaw would be near the top of the list for the Cubs in the event they need a temporary starting second baseman on Opening Day in 2025. Both Triantos and Shaw finished the 2024 season with Triple-A Iowa with the expectation being that both were knocking on the door of the Major League roster.

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It's no real surprise to see the Cubs not prioritize the addition of a second baseman this offseason. The biggest question regarding Hoerner's injury was whether or not that would eliminate the possibility of the second baseman being moved this offseason. The Cubs have entertained Hoerner trade talks in the past but the injury seems to have tabled that conversation for now.