The Chicago Cubs are checking in on Bo Bichette, and it’s not just a casual conversation. This looks like a team that’s ready to shake up an infield that seemed set just a few weeks ago.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported the Cubs’ interest in Bichette. But here’s the kicker – in the same breath, he mentioned that Chicago is also listening to offers on second baseman Nico Hoerner.
Connect those dots and you’ve got something specific happening here. The Cubs seem to be testing whether they can flip an elite glove-and-speed guy for a different kind of offensive weapon. They’re not waiting around for the market to dictate their moves.
That urgency makes total sense when you look at their lineup. Kyle Tucker hit free agency, and replacing that production isn’t exactly a small task. If Chicago wants to stay in the NL Central hunt, they need a real middle-of-the-order bat, not just depth pieces and good vibes.
What Bichette Brings
Bichette would definitely qualify as that kind of addition. In 2025, he put up a .311/.357/.483 slash line with an .840 OPS. That’s good for a 134 wRC+ and 4.0 WAR.
His strikeout rate stayed manageable at 14.5% while he continued doing damage on contact – 24 doubles and a .172 ISO. Even with the usual defensive questions that follow him around, his bat’s the selling point. And it plays anywhere.
The Hoerner Factor
Hoerner’s almost the opposite player, which is what makes this rumor pairing so interesting. He was valuable again in 2025, hitting .297/.345/.394 with a 109 wRC+ and 4.8 WAR. Premium defense up the middle, handling tough matchups – that’s his calling card.
He’s also under contract through 2026 on that extension he signed in 2023. The Cubs control the timing here and can afford to be picky. MLB Trade Rumors reported in December that Hoerner’s drawing trade interest, but they also noted it’d be surprising if Chicago actually moved him.
Still, this is how real offseason pivots start. A team loses a star bat to free agency, then quietly asks itself whether it can trade from it’s strengths to replace what just walked out the door.
The way I see it, if the Cubs can get the right return for Hoerner and land Bichette, they’re basically swapping defensive value for offensive upside. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s the kind of calculated risk that could make or break their 2025 season.
