The Chicago Cubs never expected to be sellers at the 2024 trade deadline. But with every game they lose, the probability increases exponentially.
After a 17-9 start to the season, the Cubs have cratered. They have lost 12 of their last 14 series and fallen into last place in the National League Central.
Though Chicago had grand plans for playoff contention this season, they are forced to deal with reality. And reality in this case dictates that the Cubs might have to let go of players they love if the offers are too good to pass up.
MLB Network insider Jon Morosi talked about potential Cubs trade fits on MLB Central Monday morning. He discussed the increasing possibility the Cubs could deal second baseman Nico Hoerner, mentioning the Seattle Mariners as the best fit.
"You look at a team like the Seattle Mariners needing a second baseman... not just this year but beyond as well," Morosi said. "The Cubs have struggled so much to get any kind of traction that I think they at least have to think about it."
Hoerner, 27, signed a three-year arbitration extension that pays him $11.5 million each of the next two seasons and $12 million in 2026. He won his first career Gold Glove at second base in 2023 and has also played a considerable amount of shortstop.
Hoerner's all-around profile fits exactly what the Mariners are lacking. He doesn't strike out (98th percentile K rate), plays fantastic defense (four outs above average at second base) and has stolen 57 bases in 66 tries since the start of the 2023 season.
Coming into the season, the Cubs couldn't have envisioned a nightmare scenario in which they would think about trading Hoerner. Because of his speed, defense, and contact-hitting skills, Hoerner was the Cubs' most valuable position player over a two-season stretch, posting 9.3 bWAR from 2022-2023.
However, falling five games out of a playoff spot has forced Chicago to rethink its trade deadline strategy. If the Cubs are going to be sellers, this might be the best time to trade Hoerner, considering the amount of team control he offers and the fact that infielders typically don't age well past 30.
Even if trading Hoerner would be the best move for the future of the Cubs, it would be a tough pill to swallow in the present. This is turning into a lost season on the north side of Chicago, and trading a young infield cornerstone would feel like a huge step backward.
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