Overview
- Hoerner is entering the final year of the three-year, $35 million extension he signed in March 2023, prompting fresh speculation about his future.
- MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand labeled him a potential trade candidate, noting his elite defense, consistent offense and leadership even as he called a deal unlikely.
- Reporting highlights Chicago’s offseason focus on acquiring pitching, with the idea that Hoerner could be leveraged for arms if extension talks stall.
- Matt Shaw is viewed as an internal option to slide from third to second, which would free third base for external additions.
- Hoerner led the Cubs in WAR and hits in 2025 and won a second Gold Glove, carries a reported $11.6 million 2025 salary, and remains a candidate for a new extension before Opening Day.