The Chicago Cubs are once again in a position to contend for the title, and there is one thing they absolutely must avoid: trading Nico Hoerner. This would be a misguided move that could have serious repercussions.
Recently, the Cubs front office successfully executed a long-anticipated plan during the offseason, marking a significant shift in their strategy. One of their key targets, starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, was acquired after being on their radar since the previous trade deadline. Moreover, the Cubs made headlines by outbidding competitors to sign Alex Bregman to a lucrative five-year contract worth $175 million, which breaks down to an average annual value of around $30 to $31 million, including deferred payments.
Fans of Chicago sports are electric with excitement over both the Bears and the Cubs. However, the only way to dampen this enthusiasm would be a reckless decision to trade Hoerner. Even if such a trade might provide some financial leverage under the luxury tax threshold—currently, the Cubs are just under $1 million away from the $244 million limit according to Roster Resource—the fact that Hoerner has another year left on his contract should not be a major consideration in this context.
None of these financial arguments should distract from the reality that the Cubs have assembled a team that, at least on paper, looks ready to compete for a championship. Trading Hoerner, who is a crucial leader, an exceptional defensive player, and a solid offensive contributor, would run counter to their ultimate objective of achieving victory.
While there are no concrete signs that the Cubs plan to trade Hoerner, it’s worth noting that other teams have shown interest. The Cubs are not in the habit of dismissing such inquiries outright; they will listen, and if an offer blows them away, there's a chance they might consider it.
However, for a team focused on winning now, retaining Hoerner should be a priority. According to Wins Above Replacement (WAR), he topped all second basemen with a score of 4.8, while Baseball-Reference rated him even higher at 6.2, placing him fourth among all position players in the National League. Hoerner has earned two Gold Gloves, received votes in the MVP race last season, competed for a batting title, and ranks fifth in combined stolen bases with 123 over the past four seasons.
Beyond his impressive statistics, Hoerner brings invaluable intangible qualities to the team. Even as a data-driven organization, the Cubs clearly appreciate the importance of character in the game. This was a significant factor in their decision to sign Justin Turner last spring and it also played a role in their pursuit of Bregman.
"Nico excels at aspects of the game that many believe they handle well but actually do not," remarked manager Craig Counsell at the recent Winter Meetings. "He shows up every day and completes every single rep flawlessly. That’s simply who Nico is. People might think that’s easy, but it’s not. I’d rank Nico at the very top for his work ethic. In a sport like baseball, where every game and every moment counts, this trait shines through. It’s what makes him an outstanding player."
While trading Hoerner could potentially replenish a farm system that has been depleted over the past year, this move would come at a steep price. It would eliminate nearly $12 million from the payroll, a tempting prospect for some. Yet, the loss of Hoerner would undoubtedly be felt in the clubhouse, leading to discontent among his teammates, even if they understand the business side of baseball. Most importantly, it could negatively impact the most critical statistic: wins.
The luxury tax is merely an artificial cap that shouldn’t hinder teams like the Cubs, which consistently draw large crowds to Wrigley Field and enjoy strong fan support throughout the summer months. There should be no concern about incurring penalties—whether financial or competitive—that could arise from exceeding the luxury tax limit.
For too long, the Cubs have taken half-hearted measures that have not reflected a genuine commitment to success. After hiring Counsell, fans eagerly awaited a significant roster change that didn’t materialize. They traded for Kyle Tucker yet failed to secure the starting pitcher they desperately needed for the upcoming season. Now, finally, they are starting to act in a manner that fans have long anticipated.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Cubs should be proactive in acquiring any necessary pieces. This is what a big-market franchise ought to do, and it’s exactly how they behaved when they signed Bregman—an assertive move that fans have been yearning for. This is the perfect moment to accelerate their efforts, capitalize on the current situation, and reclaim control of a division that they have allowed the Milwaukee Brewers to dominate for too long. A retreat is simply not an option.
