Trading Nico Hoerner never appeared to be a thought for the Chicago Cubs

As the Chicago Cubs were in the middle of their pursuit of Alex Bregman that fell short, one of the expected dominoes to fall for the Cubs if they were to sign Bregman was a potential trade of Nico Hoerner.

With Bregman now with the Boston Red Sox, the idea of the Cubs trading Hoerner seems to have been discarded entirely. Though, if the latest from Patrick Mooney of The Athletic is any indication, trading Hoerner was never a serious consideration.

The Cubs have important plans for Hoerner this season, and while that may seem elementary to say considering Hoerner is already Gold-Glove caliber starting second baseman with a ceiling of being an All-Star, Craig Counsell revealed what the team has hopes of for the infielder this season.

“It wasn’t a need last year, necessarily, but you could see that being a big need. One of the reasons that Nico wanted to do this (surgery) — and frankly I think Nico had to do it — is I want Nico to be able to play shortstop, and he wants to be able to play shortstop when needed. My goal for this — and Nico’s goal as well — is to get him to that point," Counsell explained.

Cubs aware of what failed them during the 2024 season.

A large part of what failed the Cubs during the 2024 season was the fact that Hoerner and shortstop Dansby Swanson were playing through injuries. Hoerner, a previous Gold Glove candidate at shortstop prior to Swanson's arrival, was incapable of making the throw from shortstop to first base last season. This often led to the Cubs having inferior lineups due to being forced to play Miles Mastrobuoni or some lesser-caliber Major League player.

Hoerner being able to play shortstop more in 2025 would also correct the flaw within Swanson's game. That flaw was Swanson's producing hitting a wall once September rolled around, given his preference to play every day. Adding in the Cubs' interest in Justin Turner. On days when Hoerner is at shortstop, giving Swanson a day off, the Cubs could see a lineup that has Matt Shaw at second base and Turner at third base. Again, Turner shouldn't be considered an everyday third baseman, but a spot start once a month or two isn't out of the question. Giving the Cubs are more respectable "Sunday lineup" than anyone they've had in recent seasons.