This week’s mailbag gets into Nico Hoerner trade possibilities, whether top remaining free agents will go short or long-term, what’s next for the Red Sox after Alex Bregman signed with the Cubs, where free agents such as Lucas Giolito and Zac Gallen might land, and much more.
Marc asks:
Well, Tom Ricketts proved me wrong. I never thought he’d pony up for a high dollar FA again. So, what now? I see all the rumors about Nico Hoerner but I think the Edward Cabrera trade and Alex Bregman signing are “all in” moves and moving Hoerner would weaken them (I think). Is there another move you think they could/ should still make?
I was surprised as well. I didn’t think the Cubs would substantially improve their offer to Bregman from a year prior. But while Bregman is a year older, he was also free of the qualifying offer this time around. The signing is also a reminder that each offseason is its own beast with unique variables. What might have changed for the Cubs in 2025? They saw increased regular season attendance, hosted five playoff games at Wrigley, and got a better feel for what Matt Shaw can do in the Majors. They may have also grown more enamored of Bregman, who seemed to be adored by Boston’s young players.
I would not make a blanket statement that the Cubs should not trade Hoerner this winter – it always depends on the return. But certainly the Cubs should not trade Hoerner if it makes them worse in 2026.
I haven’t found a Cubs fan online who wants to trade Hoerner. But I will play devil’s advocate for a minute.
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