Bregman Signing Creates Ripple Effect, Puts Hoerner in Play
The landscape of the National League is shifting after a major free-agent move. The Chicago Cubs made a seismic addition by inking star third baseman Alex Bregman to a massive five-year contract, but that move is now creating a fascinating domino effect. With Bregman's arrival creating a logjam in the Cubs' infield, trade discussions have ignited, and the San Francisco Giants are right in the thick of it, reportedly in talks to acquire Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner.
A Crowded Infield in Chicago
The Cubs' aggressive play for Bregman, who brings a potent bat and championship pedigree to Wrigley Field, immediately raised questions about their defensive alignment. The team now boasts Bregman at third, young standout Matt Shaw, and the versatile Hoerner. Rather than displace the promising Shaw, who showed significant improvement in the second half of last season, the Cubs appear to be exploring the market for their established veteran. Hoerner, entering the final year of his contract, represents a valuable trade chip for a team looking to optimize its roster around its new cornerstone.
Moving Hoerner would be a significant decision. The 28-year-old was arguably the best second baseman in baseball last season, leading all players at his position with a 4.8 fWAR and securing a Gold Glove for his stellar defense. At the plate, he's a contact maestro, batting .297 in 2025 with one of the lowest strikeout rates in the majors. Trading such a productive player from a contending team is a bold strategy, but it may allow Chicago to solidify Shaw at second base and build for the future.
Giants on the Hunt for a Second Baseman
On the other side of these talks, the San Francisco Giants have identified second base as a critical area for upgrade. After bolstering other infield spots with additions like Willy Adames and Rafael Devers, the keystone remains a glaring need. Internal options, like Casey Schmitt, have not provided the consistent offensive production the Giants crave. The team's collective .235 batting average last season underscores their need for more reliable hitters.
This pursuit is not limited to Hoerner. Reports indicate the Giants are also engaged in discussions with the St. Louis Cardinals regarding versatile infielder Brendan Donovan, signaling a clear and aggressive mandate from the front office. Both Hoerner and Donovan would immediately become San Francisco's best contact hitter and a potential ideal fit at the top of the lineup. Donovan, a .287 hitter last year, offers similar on-base skills and would be another prime target as the Cardinals enter a rebuilding phase.
What a Deal Would Mean for Both Sides
For the Giants, acquiring Nico Hoerner would be a transformative move. He would provide elite, game-changing defense up the middle—a cornerstone for any pitching staff—and inject a high-average, low-strikeout bat into a lineup that desperately needs one. He profiles as a perfect leadoff hitter, setting the table for the heart of San Francisco's order.
For the Cubs, a trade would be about maximizing assets and planning for the long term. With Hoerner's contract set to expire after the 2026 season, moving him now could bring back valuable pitching prospects or other pieces to complement their new-look roster built around Bregman. It would clear a path for Matt Shaw to play every day at second, betting on his offensive upside to offset the loss of Hoerner's defense.
The stakes are high for both franchises. The Giants are looking to take the next step in a competitive NL West, and a steady, All-Star caliber second baseman could be the final piece. The Cubs, meanwhile, are navigating the delicate balance of integrating a superstar while managing a talented, young core. As the offseason continues to unfold, this potential trade stemming from the Bregman signing is one of the most intriguing storylines to watch, with the power to alter the fortunes of two historic clubs.
