The Cubs should steer clear of making any rash decisions, especially when it comes to trading Nico Hoerner.
Recently, the Cubs have seen a promising opportunity to shape their ideal offseason, and for the first time in quite a while, they took decisive action. What no fan or analyst wants is for them to make a regrettable choice like parting ways with a player as valuable as Hoerner.
This front office has had its eyes set on starting pitcher Edward Cabrera since at least the last trade deadline, and just last week they successfully acquired him. Furthermore, the Cubs have long admired Alex Bregman, and during a thrilling Saturday evening for Chicago sports, they outbid other teams to secure Bregman’s services with a five-year contract worth $175 million, which averages around $30-31 million annually after deferrals.
Fans of Chicago sports are buzzing with excitement over both their Bears and Cubs. However, any move to trade Hoerner would undoubtedly deflate this enthusiasm. Even though such a trade might offer the team more financial wiggle room under the first luxury tax threshold—currently, the Cubs are reported to be less than $1 million shy of the $244 million limit—losing Hoerner should not be justified by these financial concerns. After all, he only has one year remaining on his contract, which shouldn’t factor heavily into this decision.
There are no indications that the Cubs are actively looking to trade Hoerner, but it’s worth noting that other teams have expressed interest. The Cubs are likely to listen to offers, and if a proposal truly dazzles them, they might contemplate moving him.
Yet, for a team that is in a position to win now, retaining Hoerner should be a top priority. According to Wins Above Replacement (WAR), he led all second basemen with an impressive score of 4.8 (per FanGraphs). Baseball-Reference was even more optimistic, ranking Hoerner fourth among all National League position players with a WAR of 6.2. His accolades include two Gold Glove awards, receiving votes for the MVP last season, chasing a batting title, and ranking fifth in stolen bases (123) over the past four seasons combined.
Hoerner’s contributions extend beyond mere statistics. His intangible qualities resonate deeply within the organization, which increasingly relies on advanced metrics yet still appreciates the value of character and leadership in its players. This was a crucial factor in the Cubs' decision to sign Justin Turner last spring, and it also played a role in attracting Bregman.
Manager Craig Counsell praised Hoerner's work ethic during the Winter Meetings in December, stating, "Nico excels in areas where many believe they are proficient, yet they fall short. I'm not solely referring to players; I mean people in general. When you ask someone to show up every day and give their all, Nico embodies that commitment. Every single rep he takes is executed flawlessly. That’s the essence of who Nico is. While it may seem simple—‘Anyone can do that’—the reality is, not everyone can. I rank Nico among the best at what he does. In a sport like baseball, with its numerous games and pivotal moments, his dedication shines through. It’s a remarkable trait that has made him a very, very good player."
While trading Hoerner could potentially help the Cubs replenish a farm system that has faced challenges over the past year, it would also remove nearly $12 million from the payroll. These financial considerations might tempt some to advocate for the move, but it would leave a significant void in the clubhouse, likely provoking discontent among his teammates, even if they acknowledge that business decisions must sometimes be made. More importantly, it could hinder the team's performance in the crucial area of securing victories.
The luxury tax represents an artificial cap that should not constrain organizations like the Cubs, which consistently fill Wrigley Field and enjoy a vibrant fanbase throughout the summer months. There should be no trepidation about incurring the penalties—both financial and competitive—that come with exceeding the luxury tax threshold.
For far too long, the Cubs have opted for half-hearted strategies, failing to present themselves as a franchise genuinely committed to competing at the highest level. They brought in Counsell, and fans waited eagerly for significant roster additions that never materialized. They traded for Kyle Tucker but neglected to acquire the starting pitcher they needed for the following season. Finally, they are beginning to act in a manner that matches the expectations fans have held for years.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Cubs should pursue any necessary enhancements to their roster. That’s the standard expected of a big-market team. This past Saturday's acquisition of Bregman was a decisive and bold move that fans have been clamoring for. Now is the time to accelerate their efforts, seize the moment, and reclaim control over a division that they have allowed the Milwaukee Brewers to dominate for too long. Taking a step back in their current trajectory should simply not be an option.
