This failed Chicago Cubs trade will be a popular rumor this offseason

The month of October, for teams not playing in the Major League Baseball postseason, is often the time when injury news becomes relevant as well as a reflection of moves that may have been in the works but, for one reason or the other, never materialized.

Nico Hoerner has been at the center of each of those instances for the Chicago Cubs this month. Last week, it was reported that Hoerner underwent flexor tendon surgery. An initial timeline for Hoerner's recovery seems to have fallen into the four-month range, having him presumably ready for Spring Training.

Hoerner's injury revelation comes at a time when he was likely going to be a popular name in trade rumors this offseason. As it turns out, the Cubs nearly moved Hoerner at the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline.

The Cubs almost dealt Nico Hoerner to the Cleveland Guardians.

From Jacob Zanolla of Ivy League Cubs, the Cubs were engaged in trade talks that would have sent Hoerner moved to the Cleveland Guardians. Zanolla wasn't able to confirm how far along the trade talks got but did mention that Guardians' prospect, Chase DeLauter.

According to MLB Pipeline, DeLauter is the Guardians' No.2 prospect. He was Cleveland's first-round draft pick in 2022. An outfielder by trade, it's curious that the Cubs had their sights on him, considering the organization has several young outfielders in Pete Crow-Armstrong, Owen Caissie, and Kevin Alcantara.

While some believe Hoerner's recovery from surgery lessens the chances he is moved this winter, Zanolla believes that scenario is still firmly in play for the Cubs' offseason.

The idea of Horner being traded this offseason likely will be determined by the extent to which opposing teams try to play up the injury. Even with Hoerner likely being ready for Spring Training, it would likely that opposing teams would use his recovery as a reason to not meet the asking price that the Cubs would have. If that is the case, Hoerner likely will not be moved this offseason. But, all it takes is one team to meet the Cubs halfway and if that happens, a trade would certainly be plausible.