The Chicago Cubs are expected to let Nico Hoerner walk in free agency following the 2025 season, according to Fansided’s Chris Landers. It’s a move that would break up one of baseball’s better infield defenses, but the financial reality seems clear.
The Cubs are watching their budget closely while top prospects push for big league opportunities. That combination doesn’t bode well for Hoerner’s chances of staying on the North Side.
“This is the second consecutive offseason in which Hoerner’s name has been dangled in trade rumors, and where there’s that much smoke, there’s bound to be fire. Even if Chicago opts to ride it out with the speedy infielder in his walk year, it seems unlikely given Jed Hoyer’s track record that the Cubs will be the ones to pay him in free agency next winter.”
The math isn’t complicated. The Cubs already have Dansby Swanson’s contract on the books, young infielders ready to contribute, and other holes to fill across the roster.
What Hoerner Brings
Hoerner’s been a cornerstone of Chicago’s defense. This past season, he slashed .297/.345/.394 with 29 doubles, seven homers, and 61 RBI. More importantly, he’s got two Gold Gloves to his name and ranks among the best defensive second basemen in baseball.
That track record will command serious money on the open market. Nothing approaching nine figures, but enough to make a budget-conscious front office think twice about matching offers.
The way I see it, Hoerner’s probably looking at something in the $60-80 million range over four or five years. For a Cubs organization that’s shown they’re willing to move on from productive players when the price gets too high, that’s a tough sell.
The Prospect Factor
What makes this different is the talent waiting in the wings. The Cubs have invested heavily in developing infield depth, and those prospects are knocking on the door.
From where I’m sitting, this feels like classic Jed Hoyer decision-making. He’s consistently chosen financial flexibility over keeping fan favorites when contracts get expensive. It’s worked out sometimes, other times not so much.
But this isn’t just about money. It’s about roster construction and long-term planning. If you’ve got young players who can provide 80% of Hoerner’s production at 20% of the cost, the math starts making sense.
All things considered, Cubs fans should probably treat the 2025 season as a farewell tour for their Gold Glove second baseman. It might sting, but it’s the reality of modern baseball economics.
The question isn’t really whether Hoerner will leave – it’s whether the Cubs can find adequate replacement production without breaking the bank.
