The Chicago Cubs could be set to make a major move that would not go down well with their fans. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand recently predicted the biggest potential trade candidates for all 30 teams. Many of the players picked by the reporter have been linked with moves in recent weeks. His selection for the Cubs, however, was fairly unexpected.

Feinsand is claiming that Nico Hoerner may very well be traded this offseason. The second baseman was arguably Chicago’s best player in 2025. This notion includes Kyle Tucker, the consensus top free agent in baseball, who was on the team. Hoerner led the Cubs in WAR and hits, while also collecting his second Gold Glove award.

So the question remains: Why would the Cubs deal Hoerner? As Feinsand points out, it all comes down to the star’s contract situation. “Hoerner is in the final year of the three-year, $35 million extension he signed in March 2023, and while he may not be a likely trade candidate, his situation features the kind of ingredients that make him an ideal trade fit,” wrote the reporter.

Nico Hoerner is Headed for a Significant Pay Raise

GettyNico Hoerner was one of the most reliable Chicago Cubs players in 2025.

The Cubs would almost certainly want to hold on to Hoerner and sign him to a contract extension. After all, the star is clearly a significant piece of the puzzle on the North Side. Nevertheless, team execs may opt to trade Hoerner if upcoming contract negotiations are unsuccessful.

According to Spotrac.com, Hoerner’s $11.6 million salary in 2025 was the eighth-highest among MLB second basemen. The star, however, could very well feel like he deserves a substantial raise in the near future. Few people could argue against this. Hoerner’s WAR of 6.2 in 2025 was level with Juan Soto and Corey Seager, and only slightly behind superstar Shohei Ohtani.

Cubs brass would surely be willing to reward Hoerner with an improved salary. It remains to be seen just how high a figure Chicago would offer, though. Assuming the two sides cannot reach an agreement, the Cubs may strike while the iron is hot. Hoerner’s current trade value may not rise further in his career.

Cubs Could use Hoerner to Acquire Additional Pitching

Although trading Hoerner this offseason feels fairly unlikely, the Cubs could use the star to grab more pitching. It was previously revealed in mid-November that Chicago’s offseason priority is acquiring more arms. Cubs management felt as if they were one starting pitcher short during the unsuccessful 2025 playoff run.

The Athletic reported on November 14 that the Cubs previously had interest in trading for Miami Marlins starter Edward Cabrera. The two teams reigniting discussions about the pitcher would not exactly be surprising. Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan has also been linked with the Cubs as of late.

Feinsand also highlighted the fact that the Cubs could already have a potential Hoerner replacement on the team. Matt Shaw is capable of moving over to second base from third, which would then open up options at the corner position in free agency.

Shaw, a former first-round pick, previously filled in for Hoerner four times in 2025. The prospect also has experience at second base during his time in the minors. Ideally, the Cubs would prefer to keep both Hoerner and Shaw for the future. The star’s contract talks will ultimately help decide just how long he remains in the Windy City.