The Chicago Cubs are heading into one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent years, and contract uncertainty surrounding key players has pushed the front office to take an aggressive stance. According to league conversations, the Cubs have effectively put portions of their roster arsenal on the market, opening the door to bold trade possibilities as they navigate contract deadlines and roster reshaping.
At the center of the discussion is Nico Hoerner, the club’s reliable infielder and one of the clubhouse’s steady voices. Hoerner is entering the final season of the three-year, $35 million deal he signed in 2023, and with no extension currently in place, the Cubs are weighing whether it’s smarter to move him now rather than risk losing him next winter.
Team sources say the situation isn’t about performance — Hoerner remains a Gold Glove–caliber defender with strong leadership qualities — but rather about timing, leverage, and long-term planning. The Cubs’ front office wants to avoid being caught in a position where a valued player walks for nothing, especially as the organization looks to build a sustainable contender around its young core.
One factor fueling Chicago’s flexibility is the rise of Matt Shaw, who has shown the positional adaptability to take over second base if Hoerner is dealt. This would open third base for the Cubs to pursue external upgrades, an area the front office has already begun exploring. That internal-versus-external combination is exactly why Chicago feels comfortable listening to offers.
While Hoerner is the headline name, he is not the only player being discussed. Chicago’s willingness to offer parts of its roster arsenal signals a more aggressive stance than in years past. The Cubs want to realign their contract structure, reshape the roster, and position themselves for a more competitive 2026 window.
Still, a Hoerner trade is not guaranteed. The Cubs could pivot toward extension talks as soon as January, especially if trade scenarios fail to match their asking price. Locking in Hoerner long-term would bring stability and silence the trade noise immediately.
For now, the message around the league is clear: Chicago is open for business. And with contract pressure building, the Cubs appear ready to make the type of bold decisions that could redefine their roster — and their direction — for years to come.
