Ranking 3 Cubs who could be realistically be moved ahead of the trade deadline

2: Nico Hoerner has been connected to the Mariners in early rumors

Last spring, Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner both agreed to contract extensions that run through the 2026 season. Happ focused on a no-trade clause when hammering out the details, and while we haven't heard much on Hoerner's front, he also has the same no-trade protection.

That, in and of itself, makes moving either guy much more challenging, but probably not impossible if the fit is with a legitimate contender. The problem in Hoerner's case is the only team that's been linked to him in rumors is the Mariners, who just coughed up their lead in the AL West to a surging Houston Astros ballclub.

Hoerner is a Gold Glove defender with elite bat-to-ball skills capable of playing either short or second. He's due $11.5 million both this year and next and an even $12 million in 2026. Given the Cubs view the lowest CBT threshold as a semi-hard salary cap, that's a decent chunk of change to move off the moves - but it'll take big league-ready talent coming back to get a deal done.