Cubs Reportedly Consider Trading Nico Hoerner to Yankees Amid $35 Million Deal Rumors
In what could become one of the most surprising MLB moves of the 2025 season, rumors have begun circulating about a potential trade involving Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner and the New York Yankees. While no official confirmation has been released by either team, the speculation alone has left fans stunned and stirred significant buzz across baseball media.
Hoerner, widely regarded as one of the best defensive second basemen in the league, is in the second year of a three-year, $35 million contract extension with the Cubs, signed in 2023. The contract keeps him under team control through the end of the 2026 season, making him both a valuable on-field asset and a cost-effective one. With Gold Glove-level defense and a reliable bat—he posted a .283 batting average and stole 43 bases in 2023—Hoerner has cemented himself as a cornerstone of the Cubs’ infield.
The rumors of a trade to the Yankees come on the heels of the Cubs’ aggressive offseason and midseason moves, including the recent acquisition of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. These moves suggest the Cubs are pivoting toward a “win-now” strategy, and some insiders believe they may be looking to shuffle their roster to accommodate additional star talent or pitching depth. Given Hoerner’s strong trade value, he could be the key piece in a blockbuster deal.
The Yankees, on the other hand, are in desperate need of middle infield stability. With Gleyber Torres entering free agency and ongoing injury concerns across the infield, acquiring someone like Hoerner would be a major upgrade. He would not only provide elite defense but also bring consistency at the plate and speed on the basepaths—attributes the Yankees have been lacking in recent seasons.
Speculative trade packages have included left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes and high-level prospects like Brock Selvidge and Jorbit Vivas. From the Yankees’ perspective, giving up a controllable pitcher like Cortes would be a steep price, but one they may be willing to pay to solidify their playoff hopes. From the Cubs’ side, acquiring a starter like Cortes would bolster their rotation, potentially making them a more well-rounded contender.
However, many analysts caution that this remains purely speculative for now. The Cubs have not publicly expressed an interest in trading Hoerner, and doing so would come with risks—not just for the team’s defensive structure, but also in terms of clubhouse chemistry. Hoerner is seen as a leader on and off the field, and removing a player of his caliber could disrupt the team’s momentum.
Still, the MLB trade market has a history of unexpected moves, especially as the deadline approaches. If the right offer presents itself and aligns with both teams’ strategic goals, a deal involving Nico Hoerner might not be entirely out of the question.
Until then, fans will be watching closely. Whether this trade materializes or not, it’s clear that both the Cubs and Yankees are not content with standing still—and more surprises may be on the horizon.
