Nico Hoerner has become a model of consistency as Cubs trade rumors will emerge

A growing conversation has emerged during the closing weeks of the Cubs' 2024 season about Nico Hoerner's status.

The 2024 season was the first year of the three-year contract extension that Hoerner signed with the Cubs in 2023. Despite playing most of the first half with a broken hand, Hoerner will finish the 2024 season with numbers that mirror his past two seasons.

Entering play on Saturday, Hoerner has a slash line of .274/.337/.374 with a 103 wRC+ and 3.9 fWAR. Many have considered the 2024 season to be a down season for Hoerner but in looking at his 2022 and 2023 production, Hoerner has remained a pillar of consistency. Hoerner compiled a 108 wRC+ and 4.3 fWAR in 2022, and 104 wRC+ and 4.6 fWAR last season.

In many ways, Hoerner is similar to Dansby Swanson. Hoerner's offense will never be the production that can carry a lineup, but the defensive value he brings to the team will outweigh it.

Unlike Swanson, Hoerner's contract can be easily moved. Given that fact and the Cubs' relative locked at every other position across the field, the idea of trading Hoerner has seen an uptick as the Cubs enter an offseason when they will need to be creative.

Nico Hoerner is expendable, but that doesn't mean the Cubs have to trade him.

Hoerner is one of the most expendable players that the Cubs have on their roster. That is the reason why Jon Heyman continues to insinuate that the Cubs could move Michael Busch to second base this season while targeting Pete Alonso.

Saying Hoerner is expendable isn't the same thing as saying the Cubs have to trade Hoerner this offseason. Having said that, when looking at his status with the Cubs as they head into the offseason, it is likely tied to Cody Bellinger's player option.

If Bellinger opts out, the Cubs will have both the financial flexibility and roster flexibility to add an impact bat without having to move Hoerner from their roster. If Bellinger is back with the Cubs in 2025, moving Hoerner may be how the team frees up a spot to add a hitter who brings a more potent offensive profile.