Signing Alex Bregman isn't a reason for the Cubs to trade Nico Hoerner

With all of the hoopla and excitement surrounding the Chicago Cubs signing Alex Bregman comes the question of 'what's next'? Is this the final major move of the offseason or does the addition of Bregman bring a possible Nico Hoerner trade back into the spotlight?

Hoerner's name has come up in several rumors this offseason, well before the Bregman signing. The two-time Gold Glove second baseman is on the final year of his deal, leading many to wonder if the Cubs will move him and his expiring contract in hopes of landing long-term pieces in return.

Regardless of whether he is extended or not - Nico Hoerner needs to be a Cub in 2026.

Last season really showed what a fully healthy Hoerner brings to this team. Not only was he one of the best defenders in baseball, but Hoerner thrived as a clutch contact hitter. In 2025, he led all MLB second basemen in fWAR (4.6) and, on top of being a Gold Glove winner, his 14 OAA (Statcast Outs Above Average) was the seventh-highest mark in baseball at any position. While not a power hitter, he makes up for that with a strikeout rate in the 99th percentile per Baseball Savant and a .371/.424/.457 slash line with runners in scoring position.

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention Hoerner hitting .419/.424/.548 in the 2025 postseason, either. The moment did not get too big for him and he was a huge part of the team's success in the playoffs.

This wasn't a fluke performance, either. Yes, it was his best season as an MLB player, but he has been a valuable asset for years now. A career 20 fWAR player, .282/.340/.384 hitter, 43 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) fielder at second, and 51 OAA at second at the age of 28 speak for themselves. He might not be a five-tool player, but he is elite with the tools he does have.

Since Hoerner and Swanson became teammates in 2023, the two have combined for 63 DRS and 76 OAA up the middle. Their defensive efforts were key in beating the Padres in the Wild Card Series. Even with the promise Matt Shaw showed defensively, it's hard to want to break up that combo.

Consider one of Hoerner's biggest strengths with the addition of Bregman. Like Hoerner, Bregman is one of the better contact hitters in baseball. Last year, he was in the 92nd percentile in whiff rate and 88th percentile in strikeout rate. Having multiple guys who are really good at putting the bat on the ball is a great thing to have, and Bregman can not only provide both the contact, but has solid pop, as well.

Even if you put the stats away for a second and just watch him play and his demeanor, he's a guy you want on your team. He's a winner and a spark for the ballclub, and if the Cubs are trying to win in 2026, he needs to be there, and he really should be a Cub in the coming years. The Ricketts acted like a big market team on Saturday night; they should continue to do so.