The Yankees and Cubs have been engaged in trade negotiations since the conclusion of the Winter Meetings, with the primary sticking point being how much money should exchange hands in a potential Cody Bellinger deal. However, the Yankees might be better served shifting their focus to another Cubs player: second baseman Nico Hoerner.
2024 Performance:
- 151 games, 641 PA, .273/.335/.373 slash line
- 7 HR, 48 RBI, 31 SB, 103 wRC+
- +10 Outs Above Average, 3.9 fWAR
2025 Projections (FanGraphs Depth Charts):
- 138 games, 595 PA, .277/.337/.385 slash line
- 8 HR, 58 RBI, 28 SB, 106 wRC+, 3.1 fWAR
Contract Details:
- Entering Year 2 of a three-year, $35 million extension (2024-2026).
- Salaries: $11.5 million in 2025, $12 million in 2026.
Hoerner has quietly emerged as one of the most underrated players in baseball over the past three seasons. Selected 24th overall by the Cubs in the 2018 draft, he debuted on September 9, 2019. After a tough 2020 and injury-shortened 2021, Hoerner has been a model of consistency. Among qualified second basemen since 2022, his ranks in key areas highlight his value both offensively and defensively.
Beyond his positional peers, Hoerner excels in areas that set him apart league-wide. In 2024, he finished with the third-lowest strikeout and whiff rates among qualified hitters, showcasing elite bat control and an ability to make consistent, quality contact. His combination of bat-to-ball skills, speed, and elite defense is rare, and his durability further enhances his value—Hoerner has played the 6th-most games among second basemen over the last three years.
However, durability will be worth monitoring. Following the 2024 season, Hoerner underwent right flexor tendon surgery, and the Cubs plan to evaluate his recovery timetable in February. For context, the Yankees are no strangers to elbow issues among infielders—both Gleyber Torres and Didi Gregorius underwent Tommy John surgery in recent years—so Hoerner’s rehab would be a critical factor.
The biggest obstacle to acquiring Hoerner lies in the Cubs’ willingness to trade him. While they are actively shopping Bellinger and his $27.5 million salary, Hoerner represents a different case. The recent acquisition of Kyle Tucker signals the Cubs’ intent to contend in 2025, and parting with one of their most reliable players would contradict that strategy. Initial reports suggested Hoerner was available, with the Mariners reportedly in talks, but Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic refuted this, stating the Cubs now plan to retain him.
Hoerner’s value also contrasts sharply with Bellinger’s. He is more affordable, under control for an extra season, and provides far greater defensive value at a premium position. With Isaac Paredes included in the Tucker trade, top prospect Matt Shaw now has a clearer path to take over third base, reducing any infield congestion. Bellinger, meanwhile, blocks better outfielders like Seiya Suzuki or Ian Happ, making his bat and glove expendable relative to his cost.
While a trade for Hoerner remains unlikely, the Yankees should still pursue him aggressively. His presence would represent a massive upgrade over their current second base options and the remaining free agent market. If the Yankees are willing to absorb the entirety of Bellinger’s contract, they could potentially entice the Cubs to include Hoerner and secure a valuable prospect return in the process. It’s an unlikely scenario, but one worth exploring given Hoerner’s ability to elevate the Yankees’ roster.
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