Alex Bregman‘s decision to sign with the Cubs left the Red Sox with some uncertainty within their infield picture, as both second base and Bregman’s old third base position remain unsettled heading into Spring Training. Top prospect Marcelo Mayer seems to be penciled into one of the two spots, with Mayer likely playing third while the collection of Romy Gonzalez, Nick Sogard, and/or Kristian Campbell will handle the playing time at the keystone.
A new acquisition could certainly change this picture, and such free agents and trade targets as Isaac Paredes, Brendan Donovan, and Eugenio Suarez remain available. Plenty of other players remain on Boston’s radar, as Alex Speier of the Boston Globe writes that the Red Sox “are among the many teams that have checked in about” Cubs infielders Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw.
There would be some irony if a trade came together between Bregman’s new and former teams, though there is no sense that a deal is anywhere close between Boston and Chicago. Trade speculation swirled around Hoerner and Shaw even before Bregman arrived in Wrigleyville, with the Yankees, Giants, and Mariners all reportedly showing interest in Hoerner. While the Cubs may be at least open to hearing offers for Hoerner out of due diligence, however, there isn’t much indication that the team has any real interest in moving the two-time Gold Glover.
The Bregman signing solidified Chicago’s starting infield alignment as Bregman at third, Hoerner at second, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, and Michael Busch at first base. Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki line up as the starting outfield trio, and the open DH spot could be a revolving door for several players to get partial rest days. This in turn would open up playing time for Shaw or another top prospects in Moises Ballesteros and Kevin Alcantara, and give these youngsters some semi-regular at-bats in the majors without the pressure of a true everyday role on a contending team.
Trading Hoerner or Shaw would immediately alter the Cubs’ plans for the coming season at least, and moving Shaw would have a longer-term impact since he only just made his MLB debut in 2025. Hoerner is a free agent next winter, and with Bregman now locked into the hot corner, the thought has been that Shaw could take over from Hoerner as second base. (The Cubs are also considering Shaw as an outfield option to expand his versatility.)
Even with Hoerner nearing the open market, it would take a lot for the Cubs to part ways with a proven veteran who is probably the best defensive second baseman in baseball, not to mention an above-average hitter (106 wRC+) over the last five seasons. It would take even more for Chicago to deal a top prospect like Shaw who comes with so much team control, yet Boston’s pitching depth could at least get the Cubs to take notice. Since Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd will also be free agents next season, bringing aboard a Payton Tolle or a Connelly Early would be an intriguing way for the Cubs to bolster their rotation over the longer term. It is safe to say that Tolle or Early would only be on the table (if at all) for Shaw, as the Sox aren’t likely to move either of those arms for one year of Hoerner.
While Shaw has the prospect pedigree to interest any team, it would be quite a pivot if the Red Sox traded from their high-level pitching depth to acquire a young infielder, given how Boston (in theory) already has plenty of position-player building blocks in place. If Mayer is able to stay healthy and break out as a big leaguer, that provides a ton of stability at either third base, second base, or at shortstop if Mayer is ultimately the heir apparent to Trevor Story. In this sense, bringing in Hoerner as a somewhat overqualified stopgap for the 2026 season might be a better fit to give the Sox more time to see what they have in Meyer or Campbell.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been very active on the trade front since taking over Boston’s front office in October 2023, though the Garrett Cooper-for-cash considerations deal in April 2024 remains the only deal swung between Breslow and his former team. For the 2019-23 seasons, Breslow worked in the Cubs front office, and he was promoted to an assistant GM role during the 2020-21 offseason after Jed Hoyer was promoted to president of Chicago’s baseball operations.
They aren’t getting traded
Save Cub money: Ricketts is dealing with biblical losses
Huh? Tom Ricketts has said his goal is to break even however the Cubs, with the 3rd highest revenue in baseball, spend the third least in payroll percentage to revenue. Plus, the valuation of the Cubs has skyrocketed since daddy Ricketts funded their purchase. northsidebaseball.com/news-rumors/chicago-cubs/the…
I agree unless the Cubs extend Nico Hoerner. The Cubs have generally negotiated contract extensions to their key players in the spring. In 2023, both Hoerner (March 28) and Ian Happ (April 12) received 3-year extensions in that time frame.
A Hoerner extension in the coming weeks or months would open the door to a potential blockbuster trade involving Matt Shaw. The earlier the better since few spring trades of this magnitude occur after opening day. If the Cubs and Red Sox worked out a deal for Shaw in the wake of a Hoerner extension it would be ideal for it to occur by mid-March.
Trading Shaw would be a dumb move. Trading Nico would make the Cubs a worse team and it makes signing Bregman pointless .
The do have James Triantos if they deal Shaw
A potential blockbuster trade involving Matt Shaw could conceivably include Kristian Campbell who should be an upgrade over James Triantos.
That said, the Cubs would likely prioritize a Shaw trade that could offer a return involving a young and controllable potential TOR like Payton Tolle or Connelly Early.
A return focusing on a controllable Gold Glove OF like Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu also makes sense with both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki pending FA’s following this season.
Doens’t is seem odd that if Duran is GG and Abreu who had a good offensive year and plays RF, are so valuable why Boston is so willing to trade either or both of them….
Because Roman Anthony and Cedanne Rafaela and Kristian Campbell. Although they don’t directly contribute to the outfield logjam, Casas, Yoshida, and Contreras make the OF/DH issue complicated as well.
He hasnt made the show at this point he likely won’t make the show with the Cubs. I’d take Shaw over Triantos all day. I would take Shaw over Bregman too
As much as I advocated not wanting Bregman. He has grown on me. Slowly
Obviously we aren’t so willing
They’re not extending Nico. Shaw will hit just as well as Nico and be way way cheaper than what Nico will cost. They’ll lose out on Nico’s glove, but Shaw has Busch and Swanson to his left and right so all Shaw has to be is decent at second and it’s a win.
My favorite NL team trading Nico to the Red Sox would be a disaster. The Yankees could offer the Cubs Anthony Volpe. At least he’s ready to go with years of control. A great trade for both teams, maybe Yanks throw in a pitching prospect also.
Volpe? Volpe? Volpe?
Anthony Volpe? 😂😂😂 I’d rather have Kris Bryant back on the Cubs just to play 60 games in the next 4 years
What does checked in on actual mean?? How’s your day going, what do you like to do??
The scene from Moneyball where Bean goes to Cleveland and asks about guys only to be told “we like ” and Bean ends up empty (besides finding Peter Brand).
“Hey Jed, Nico still on your team? Yep, good to know good to know.”
Breslow sends him a note saying “Will you trade me Nico and sit with me at lunch?”
Are you considering trading Nico ?
No.
K, Bye
You want HOW MUCH STILL for one year of Hoerner? Call us back if you lower your sights before we make another move. CLICK.
How much really is one year of a premier second baseman but one who provides little power actually worth? Obviously, it’s what another club will pay and right now there is no match.
It’s different in my book with Duran and others who have multiple seasons left before hitting free agency. In Duran’s case, there is real value even if others on this site believe some of us are over-evaluating his worth. Last share showed injuries can happen and Boston might not have made the playoffs if they dealt Duran at the deadline.
I’ve said it many times, Suarez should be signed as a DH only and the club needs both Story and Mayer to stay healthy (Casas is a forgotten man but this team can go far if they have him hitting like his rookie season and they get Suarez; injuries and deals will take care of playing time).
You don’t understand what’s goibg on here. Hoyer doesn’t want to trade Nico. In addition to being the best defensive second sacker in baseball, he is a clutch hitter and a clubhouse leader. So why not listen and hope to fleece Breslow, who is very open to being fleeced as he is one of Jed’s students. If he is dumb enough to offer Tolle for one year of Hoerner, then you jump at it. Otherwise click goodbye Boston.
Reverse is true with Breslow hanging up on Hoyer asking for Tolle
Then Boston fans, commenters, and press need to stop obsessing over acquiring Nico which we read pretty much every other day…..
coop- trading Volpe to the Cubs for Nico would be a great trade for both teams. Volpe could play 2nd base, and has a few years of control. Nico is a rental, that needs to be extended. 🙏
Yale grad with a degree I believe in microbiology “stupid”? Henry dictated payroll and when to move a player who makes more than Henry is comfortable paying. Again, the objective was to find a taker for nearly all of Dever’s salary
Rocky, Yankee fans need to stop obsessing with Sox posters and just ignore or mute the post.
Capt., Volpe currently has little value and is worth more to NY at this point.
That will likely change at the break if the Cubs stumble out of the gate.
@olmtiant. Pretty much. Probably seeing what it would cost, and of course the asking price is high.
Did they check into the Motel 6 also?
Reds – At least the light was left on for them.
I have lost all interest in dealing with the Red Sox where we add a large package Issac Paredes for one player like Duran or Abreu. I would rather keep Paredes than say deal Paredes, Janek, and Matthews for Wilyer Abreu.
By the way, I’m pretty sure a Nico Hoerner trade would mirror a Kyle Tucker one, and Matt Shaw would be very expensive. Good for the Red Sox, Cubs, though. Squeeze the value!
“large package Issac Paredes”
Is that your only fans account?
I meant, a large package attached to Issac Paredes.
Is that your only fans account?
What do you mean?
I have to ask, how do you know Astro the size of his package? Seriously, Hoerner does not have Tucker’s power and will not command a free agent contract like Tucker got. No correlation at all in my view.
Hoerner has zero chance to mirror Kyle Tucker deal for one year of control.
It seems a Hoerner deal would involve player(s) from the Crawford, Harrison, Sandoval ilk. Inning eaters with potential beyond upside.
Cubs could likely get what they gave up for Tucker for Hoerner. I wouldn’t be surprised if they demand Early/Tolle.
I like Hoerner as much as the next guy…but he’s not in Tucker’s neighborhood. There’s no way the trade package comes close to what the Cubs gave up for Tucker.
A trade for Hoerner is for sure an overpay. The suggested Mike Sirota for Nico Hoerner is a severe underpay.
1 top prospect, one hitter, and one pitcher. Could Hoerner yield that. Okay, maybe not on Tucker’s level, but Wesenski was a throw in piece.
I agree Hoerner will never sign a contract like Tucker just did, but Nico had a 6.2WAR last season, compared to Tucker’s 4.6.
Hoerner is sneaky valuable, great defense and baserunning, high contact rate and very low strikeout rate, and he’s a clutch hitter.
Nico does everything well except what many fans love, OBP and SLG.
So you think Nico is as valuable as tucker…checking..the same Tucker who signed a 57 mil aav contract?…would you pay 57 mil for 1 year of nico?…
Tucker was a clear overpay.
Right. Both the Dodgers this year and the Cubs last season overpayed.
Really? It was an underpay (at first) it seemed.
Ummm what? How could you possibly think Hoerner would net a similar return?
More like Early/Bedtime, amirite?
one year for a light good contact hitter is not worth those pitchers to be given up. Immediately hang up the phone
Ah, he’s a defensive wiz at a position of weakness on the Sox, who hits .280 in a world where .240 is considered average for baseball, and while he doesn’t have HR power, is a doubles machine…..pitchers typically are one pitch away from TJ these days so value is a team thing based on need….and Boston is a little bit scared about their right side infield obviously….
@astros4life: Hoerner was a more valuable player offensively and defensively than Tucker last season, by the eye test and by any reasonable measures. Tucker-as-star is simply a myth. He’s not clutch and he might have the worst attitude in MLB.
He’ll be fine in LA, where he can get his walks and let other guys do the hitting.
Alan – 2025 Nico Horner had a 109 OPS+. Tucker has a 136.
He was no where close to being more valuable offensively.
I think that makes less sense than Hoerner yielding what Tucker got.
Alan is correct, however, if you believe that every offensive statistic in existence other than batting average is unreasonable.
@Joemo: Yeah, I know all about that. But if you watched the Cubs every day last year, you know thay Hoerner was more valuable. He did more things that won games.
The problem with Tucker is that a walk is NOT as good as a hit.
@Darth: You’re smarter than this. And if you watched the Cubs last season, you know that Hoerner did more to win games than Tucker did.
A walk is NOT as good as a hit.
First, Nico Hoerner was named.captain of the Cubs this winter. That indicates the Cubs intentions of retaining him. As for Matt Shaw, he reminds me of a young Ryan Sandburg. The Cubs are not trading him based on talent and in the advent Hoerner gets a unrealistic contract offer and leaves the Cubs. However, the Cubs have some interesting minor league infield prospects.
Checking in on them isn’t much of a story…I am waiting for a signing or trade for ANYONE at this point
clarke – The Sox are waiting for Geno’s price to drop enough, nothing will happen until he is off the board.
Free agent Eugenio Suárez offers Boston the big right-handed power bat they covet in order to balance out their lefty hitting lineup. However, Boston has inferred that defense is also a priority for an addition at 3B or 2B. Suárez has never offered much defense at 3B and it won’t improve as he approaches his 35th birthday this summer.
If Craig Breslow wants both right-handed power and a playable glove at the hot corner, a trade for Isaac Paredes would be a better solution. Paredes and his pull heavy power bat is an ideal pairing with Fenway’s Green Monster. He’s also 8-years younger than Suárez.
The Astros are reluctant to go over the CBT again in 2026 but could use an OF upgrade or addition to their rotation in order to keep pace in a more competitive AL West. Houston looks to be a good trade partner with the Red Sox who could offer cheap and controllable options at either position.
Suárez defense = Red Sox posturing.. Clear and transparent..
We tolerated Devers defense for how many years?
Rafael Devers wasn’t a Craig Breslow addition. Breslow did add the balanced offense and defense of 3B Alex Bregamn last offseason and eventually launched Devers when it became apparent he was becoming a clubhouse problem.
It’s worth noting that Breslow received his front office baptism with the Cubs prior to his hiring by the Red Sox. Chicago prioritized defense then and now. They are MLB’s consensus top defensive team
Adding Eugenio Suárez would not fit the Breslow m.o. anymore than Devers did. 🙂
Bee – Absolutely correct.
Prior to the offseason, Breslow identified a TOR SP and a RH power bat. He said nothing about defense. So either he was lying then, or he’s lying now.
Aaron – According to Breslow himself the decisionmaking has always been a team effort that includes Cora, Kennedy and the dozens of Assistant GM’s. Cora, Kennedy, and the dozens of Assistant GM’s all signed off on the monster Raffy extension. Don’t listen to Cora, who (as expected) threw Bloom under the bus by saying it was only him that was in favor of the extension.
Also Devers was never a clubhouse problem. Sure he was unhappy with the way he was disrespected and lied to, but the problem was 100% between Raffy and Breslow. Not one single player expressed any type of issue about the clubhouse.
Read up on what Breslow said about the importance of having an elite homerun hitter in the lineup during the postseason. I give the man credit for admitting his mistakes, like he did with the handling of Devers.
FPG- I dont see the Sox spending the prospect capital that the Cubs will try to fleece a suitor for in a Nico trade.
But, it seems to me like the Sox would need to drop the salary of either Sandoval (a waste of money from the start) or Bello to land Suarez, no?
Sad – According to Spotrac the Sox are at $275M right now, with the next threshold at $284M. I agree they are unlikely to pass that 2nd threshold, which would happen if they sign Suarez and don’t unload any other salary. The thing is, it’s a bit late to try and work a trade with guys like Bello and Sandoval (and maybe Yoshida/Duran/Abreu/Casas). It could still happen, but most teams are set for the upcoming season.
FPG: “I agree they are unlikely to pass that 2nd threshold”
===================
The Red Sox are already over the 2nd luxury tax threshold which is $264M.
FPG: “it’s a bit late to try and work a trade with guys like Bello and Sandoval”
===================
Pitchers are always needed around the league, so it is not too late.
Fever- With the moves the Sox have made this offseason and the money they have committed to the roster, they do seem like they are in a win now state of mind (with the understanding that they won’t sacrifice the future). If Breslow and the team decided that getting Suarez’s bat in the lineup would offset any defensive liability he might bring (based on Breslow’s defense first comments that is questionable), I have a feeling the luxury tax would not hold ownership back.
I know everyone wants Yoshida gone, but for the final month of last season he was one of the most impactful bats in the lineup. While not a prototypical DH, I think he will get on base at a very high percentage (assuming he is healthy). Suarez, while playing third, is the more typical DH type, so should drive in plenty of runs even if he does strike out a lot. It could work. I just don’t know how focused Breslow is at improving defense.
I do think they could still find takers for some of the players where they have an over abundance in their positions (mainly pitching and the outfield), especially if they were looking to add some high level prospects to replenish the farm.
Uncle – Maybe a better phrase would be “compete now for a postseason spot” state of mind rather than “get in the WS now” state of mind.
Based on experience, I can tell the Sox are following a 5-year plan. With a 5-year plan you don’t focus on each year’s payroll individually, you focus on the combined payroll for the 5-year period. Their payroll has gone up this year in large part due to extensions that are at market value now but will be below market value within 2-3 years. This is how longterm contracts typically work.
Crochet at $28M is high now for what would have been an arbitration year, but it will be low in 2028-2030 if he maintains his performance. Same with Roman’s $16M, it’s very high now but will be low in a couple years. Same with Ranger if he maintains his performance, the $26M will be low.
I won’t also include Rafaela and Bello and Campbell because we don’t know if they will be around in 2 years, but if they are solid players and still on the team then they too will have low salaries.
Also keep in mind this is only their 2nd consecutive year they will be a tax payer. The penalties get much harsher for 3rd straight and beyond, but I would expect a decrease in payroll within two years with the dropping of Gray, Story, Chapman, Yoshida, Hicks, Sandoval, and Contreras.
Sorry I’m not one to value 3B defense that much. I’ve seen the stats, good offense is more important than good defense. As many have pointed out, the Sox had a lot of success with Raffy at 3B so defense can’t be that critical. How else would you explain a 4.3 WAR 162g average since 2019? Obviously it’s not his defense that drove up the number. And it’s not like he had a GG SS next to him to make up for his defensive shortcomings.
Geno’s bat will more than make up for anything lost with his glove.
I can’t help but think if it was 2001 again, the people here who would be complaining about the Manny signing because of his defense. That’s kinda like saying you wouldn’t want Sydney Sweeney because she doesn’t have a college degree ;o)
FPG: “Based on experience, I can tell the Sox are following a 5-year plan.”
=================
Wow. Below you said “the only plan the Sox have had since Dave left was to not have a plan” and then went on and on about it. More garbage.
Pirates!
I long for the days when the Red Sox had a plan for free agency and executed it. They didn’t have to pivot because they kept failing at getting their main targets.
Sigh…
Joemo, I long for the days when sports media was more about sourcing the unknown and sharing truthful stories/info than what it has become, which is loads of speculation and lots of forced narratives. Because that era also came with fans who didn’t blindly buy those narratives, and then complain about them.
To anyone actually paying attention, Boston operates with plenty of plan, which includes retaining roster flexibility (both for the coming season and for the window of the next few years) while also being flexible in the targets it pursues. It also clearly isn’t looking to overpay for the sake of landing any single fish. Best of all, in a league in which for years now agents have somehow been getting BOTH peak AAVs and peak contract lengths for high-end FAs (which is insanity to me; players should logically have to choose between peak AAVs at modest lengths or crazy lengths at some AAV discount, and the way teams accept tens of millions on weak/dead seasons at the ends of contracts is absurd) the Red Sox appear to have generally moved off of those, something I wish the league would do as a whole (note that I’m not saying this to “save” teams money; the less money blown on the dead ends of player careers, the more is available to pay everyone else, not to mention that nobody “deserves” to lock in tens of millions for seasons when they will likely be broken down).
If a team wants to do whatever it takes to secure a target, fair enough. And if a team doesn’t feel like paying huge overages to make that happen, that should also be seen as fair enough. Painting the latter as a lack of plan is lazy/entitled/blind. Disagree with the chosen plan if you will, but leave it at what it is, which is a difference in desired approach.
I agree with you on sports journalism.
And I don’t disagree with their plan. Breslow has stated multiple time they wanted to add a power bat. Here’s his direct quote:
“I think that the true middle-of-the-order bat that can hit the ball out of the park, has probably an outsized impact on the rest of the lineup because of the way you have to attack someone — the on-base implications it can have. And so, again, we’re going to consider all ways of improving the team, but finding someone in the middle of the order and who hits the ball out of the park is a really good place to start.”
Contreras, while he is a good bat, isn’t that. His career high for HR is 24.
The Red Sox off-season plan, while I don’t know for certain, appeared to be to trade for SP and then spend in free agency on a bat. They completely whiffed on the bats, and even after adding Contreras they were aggressive in the market for Bregman. They had a massive hole to fill offensively, built their roster with a focus on pitching and used trade resources to improve SP already, and instead of adding a bat through FA they pivoted to another SP. The offense now looks like it’s going to struggle hard – Fangraphs has their team wrc+ at 99.
The Red Sox had their plan going into the off-season and they failed to accomplish those goals. Plain and simple. I love the focus on pitching, but they have a depe pitching pipeline now. They should have given Bregman the no trade clause instead of pivoting to a SP. Unless they pull off some big trade for a bat, the offense is going to struggle hard. The overall numbers might be ok, but they’re going to be even more streaky than last year.
soxu – I think you may be the only one here who doesn’t realize the only plan the Sox have had since Dave left was to not have a plan.
I know you’re a casual fan (which is fine, all fans are welcome), but before you critique others you really should do some research first. Because there are TONS of examples where the Red Sox didn’t have a plan.
Just a few off the top of my head ….
1) Had no plan at last year’s trade deadline, as they were a laughingstock for doing things such as initiating trade talk with the Twins (about Ryan) just 15 minutes before the deadline (look it up).
2) Had no plan for an adequate backup to often-injured Casas last year. This was proven when they made panic decisions such as asking Raffy, then KC to immediately learn a position they never played before (look it up).
3) Had no plan for how to handle Raffy after the Bregman acquisition. They knew they were going to move him off 3B, but they kept lying to him and never had him learn 1B and immediately went from telling him to throw away his glove to then telling him to become the starting 1B (look it up).
4) Had no plan how to handle KC in ST. In a rare instance where Cora admitted a boneheaded mistake, his asking KC to play LF led to the infamous “What are we doing here” comment (look it up).
5) Had no plan with the panic Crochet trade, as proven by the Red Sox almost immediately trying to reacquire Teel. Who does that? Who trades a young stud prospect and then just a few months later pushes hard to get him back? It’s downright embarrassing (look it up).
This is a team that can’t even make plans for a 10-inning or 11-inning game, often being forced to use their worst pitchers and hitters in critical late game situations because they used/pulled too many players earlier in their quest to win in 9 innings.
As for “paying huge overages”, says who? You think guys like Alonso, who would have filled a huge need for the Sox, got a “huge overage”? If the Sox aren’t willing to pay market price for good free agents, then why bother with the charade?
The only people here who are lazy/entitled/blind are those who lazily and blindly support everything the front office does.
The window is now, the Red Sox should have kept their promise and spent to fill their needs. Instead they panic-splurged on a SP they didn’t really need, and as of right now they are still lacking a power RHB, an infielder, an adequate backup catcher (unless Contreras goes back to catching), and a LHR. They should have done what the Jays did, but they chose to go cheap instead.
FPG – tha ks for laying all that out, dont even want to add because its so good.
However, maybe just one thing, not having a true second baseman who plays 150+ games at the position since Pedroia left is a systemic organizational failure. While converting multiple minor league second baseman off the position.
Sad – It’s true about 2B, but those failures I think have more to do with bad player evaluations.
They really thought Grissom would be the starting 2B for years to come, obviously they were wrong. And then they thought it would be KC, which is still possible but obviously against the odds as of right now.
Joemo- other than following whatever Driveline says, Breslow has no plan.
Joemo…thats been a while…not since what they signed manny?
Really? Because they’ve made multiple trades and one large dollar signing already this winter and you’re still apparently looking for more. Not sure any moves would really satisfy many of the more complaint prone fans. They currently sit in the second tier of CBT penalties with their current payroll and some still act as if they’re in the bottom half of the league.
They have a very good team without making any more moves but we saw in the playoffs last year they were lacking offense. If the Sox do not make a move for a bat, the pitching could get them pretty far but they are likely a power bat away from going deep into the playoffs. That is not to say it’s impossible or even that they are guaranteed to make the playoffs with the team they have. I hope they add another piece but will be excited to see how things pan out with or without another move.
Here is the bottom line: There is no one out there on the free agent market or available via trade that makes sense for the Red Sox. I would have loved to have Bregman back, but he is simply not worth the contract he got from the Cubs. Pete Alonso and E. Suarez are one-dimensional hitters and below average fielders. K. Tucker and B. Bichette were never going to sign here for the money they got. What’s left at 2B/3B? Isaac Paredes (subpar on defense) would cost Boston J. Duran or C. Early/P. Tolle – not worth that price. B. Donovan (LH) will be no better than M. Mayer and the prospects Boston would have to give up. The Cubs are not trading M. Shaw, who will be N. Hoerner’s replacement next year. And what is Boston willing to give up for one year of Hoerner? The Cubs want to win this year, and Hoerner is a valuable piece in achieving that. While it was fun to imagine K. Marte at 2B, that didn’t last long.
A lot of the Red Sox fans on here depress me. You are always complaining. If the Red Sox win the WS, you’ll be on here whining about the parade route! Spring Training is right around the corner, where “hope springs eternal”. Go buy yourself a new Red Sox hat and get excited about this pitching staff and dream about what this young core of players might accomplish in the next couple of years. Just make sure you keep a grill lighter on hand to burn your hat in October because after all… it is the Red Sox!
Fenway- I agree that there is not someone out there that is the perfect fit (maybe Hoerner if you could lock him up to an extension), but I do think some of the options would improve the team. The question, as you stated, is are they worth what it would cost to get them.
I think Breslow’s comments about adding another infielder is why people are whining about the lack of a move. Add to that the massive number of rumors on all of the sports’ websites and you can’t help but ask what the next move will be. It seems likely that at least one more move will happen before the start of the season, so we will see what happens.
I think it is going to be an exciting season and really hope Casas, Anthony, Mayer, Crawford, and Sandoval are healthy and ready to help the team. It would also be a huge plus if Campbell makes some positive strides. Plenty to look forward to.
ken – They are 4th in revenue, but not even close to being Top 5 in CBT payroll.
They aren’t even close to being Top 2 in CBT payroll in their own damn division.
And if trades are coming as many expect, they would likely drop one or two spots more.
Send Duran and Harrison to the Astros for Pena. Move Story to 2B.
That’s not getting Pena.
What do you think it takes? Duran and Pena have pretty even value with Duran having one more year of control. I think Duran and a SP prospect not named Tolle or Early is far as the Sox go.
Pena probably has more value than Duran. He is coming off a career-best season and he plays a premium position.
You use BTV. Don’t you? Duran+Early would be what starts the conversation.
In Houston Duran would play a premium position as well as he’d likely be in CF.
Left field. Correction.
Doesn’t matter. He has not proven to be a solid CFer and Pena is proven as a solid SS.
I want Duran, Bello, and Witherspoon for Pena.
Another dumb comment
Moron
Dream on.
Yeah. So I don’t want to trade Pena.
Psssh, I’d rather have Duran.
Coming from a Yankee fan.
Exactly which means I have no horse in the race. Pena is not that great.
Again. Coming from a Yankee fan.
Exactly what are you implying? Because I have no issue never seeing you here again.
Pena is better than you say.
I’m not saying he’s bad, but personalky I dont think he’s better than Duran and at the very least they’re a 1-1 swap. Pena isn’t commanding a package of Duran+.
What exactly does being a Yankees fan have to do with that analysis?
I thought that the fact that you are a Yankee fan, you would underestimate Astro players because you hate the Astros. Is that not the case?
I’m an avid fantasy player so while I’m a Yankees fan, I don’t have hate for any team because I’m constantly reading up on everyone. I’ve stated many times in these comments im long past fan hate. But honestly, when it does come to fan hate, wouldn’t I, as a NY fan, hate Boston a heck of a lot more? lol.
I’m not sure you can consider yourself a Yankees fan if you don’t hate the Red Sox.
There’s too much Hate out there. I choose to save hate when it’s truly warranted. Fan hate is so trivial. I enjoy sports so much more nowadays without it.
Good move Sal. Hate only really hurts the hater.
Yeahhhh gonna cost a bit more than that. But I do love the fit here in Boston.
Hoerner is not getting traded unless it is part of a huge package for Skubal.
Cubs will have Wiggins in 2027 so flipping Shaw for a prospect pitcher seems unlikely since it is not certain that the Cubs will extend Hoerner but rather will keep him in 2026 to make their best play.
If Breslow offered Tolle I guarantee Hoerner would be on the next flight to Beantown. Nico is in his final year of control and Cubs aren’t planning on signing him as they will slide Shaw to 2B.
The Cubs brass appreciates the total value that Nico Hoerner brings to their team. They also understand their fan base shares that affection. To suggest that the “Cubs aren’t planning on signing him” is a premature, poor take.
AS….. seems I’ve heard that sentiment years ago… Mookie Betts on line one…
I think that I said that it is not certain that they will re-sign him. That means that it is also also not certain that they won’t. I think he might be looking at Willy Adames as a comparable contract. It is not my money so I hope that the Cubs pay whatever it takes to keep Hoerner.
@MLB Top 100 Commenter:
My reply was directed toward @rememberthecoop. I actually quoted a portion of his comment in my reply. 🙂
Oops, my mistake
Tigers should offer Skubal and Vierling/Perez for Shaw, Wiggins, and maybe some lower rated prospect.
Tigers get 3B with control and a pitching prospect coming up next year.
Cubs get best pitcher in baseball to make W.S. push in vs. Dodgers, Mets, Brewers, etc. Vierling/Perez also solves their RF need with a league avg. player, while also being flexible to LF & CF if needed.
I am a Cubs fan and I think that return would not be enough for one year of Skubal.
I also would only want to do it if Hoerner is extended first.
I really like Wiggins but I think Dodgers or Mets could easily outpace that offer.
Say Sheehan, Stone, Ferris and Freeland.
Or Tong, Vientos and Baty.
If the cost was Tolle or Early straight for Shaw it makes sense for both teams. I suspect the Red Sox were looking to star Mayer at 2B and then move him to SS once the Story contract was up. Shaw is going to get plenty of ABs. Bregman is going to go on the DL at some point. The Cubs should resign Hoerner.
These big market clubs, Cubs, Red Sox and Yankees have been acting more like small market teams than big market teams.
No it doesn’t. Apples to oranges
This article sucks. And I never say that. But seriously, of course the Red Sox checked in and so have a bunch of teams.
But what happened when they checked in.., what was the result?
Did the Cubs request for players coming back in a trade way too high or did they say they’re not trading these guys?
The writer here guesses, but we receive no answers. Thus a meaningless article. And I love this website and rarely say something that negative.., but give me something factual. They checked and what happened?
The “rumor” was given to them. I doubt a “check in” took an investigative team. As an MLB rumors site, kinda seems as though they are obligated. I’m sure they would prefer articles with more substance as well.
So they are getting used as a pawn then?
Absolutely
Well… yes. Are Boras and others not playing chess? It’s just part of the gig, and pawns are important and extremely valuable.
Cleveland – The primary objective of this site is to gather news and report it ASAP. Showing at least a mild enough interest to check in on a player is worthy of being reported. If it’s intentionally misleading by one of the teams, that’s not uncommon. Teams and agents mislead all the time.
Am I missing something… Nico is a ‘NICE’ player but he’s closer to Manny Trillo than Ryan Sandburg ….
Close to Augie Ojeda than Roger Hornby
Closer to Glenn Beckert than Darwin Barney
Closer to Tony Campana than Robinson Cano
There was a time that Ryne Sandberg was closer to Manny Trillo than to (the future) Ryne Sandberg. Hoerner keeps improving, and really seemed to hit a new plateau last year. In the stretch run, he was money with RISP. He continues to amaze on defense. He just doesn’t do some of the things that would make the casual Cubs viewer sit up and take notice. His offensive contributions don’t translate well to a Sportscenter replay clip medium. But the Cubs would be much worse off if they were to trade him.
I can’t take any more David Hamilton on the Sox roster. He’s AAAA.
Hard pass. We already have question mark infielders in our minor league system. Def not interested if it costs a young arm.
I checked in on Livvy Dunne.
Dont fear the creeper
LOL
Doesn’t make sense to trade Nico unless they are getting a starting player somewhere else in the lineup
Why would a team that has WS aspirations even consider trading a winning player that’s a great defender and plays the the game right?
You Red Sox fans kill me. Nico had a higher WAR than anyone on your team last season.
That one data point, while a major one, does not remotely create overall trade value, and you know it. So you’re just “killing” yourself.
P.S. Duran is one year removed from a higher WAR season (and by a large margin) than ANY Cubs player over the past 24 seasons. Obviously, such factoids only goes so far.
The guy who was unplayable in CF? Right…. Red Sox fans coming on here like we’re talking fantasy baseball. Ironic considering you guys haven’t had a great second baseman since Dustin Pedroia….a player very much like Nico. What would your asking price for be for Pedroia?
I would be ok moving Shaw for Tolle or Early only if Cubs sign Hoerner to an extension first. Maybe 5/100MM gets it done. Then you can make that trade and sign someone like IKF to be your super utility guy.
Believe Shaw is the “insurance policy” for Bregman.
AB is going down some time in 2026.
Gezz, I think the Chicago options are no longer. I think we have to make a move, cause Meyers seems to be injury prone. Eaton was also an option at third, not a starter by any means but can give us some decent AB’s. While you’re mentioning PT players.
I wouldn’t trade Nico Hoerner if the Red Sox offered their top 5 prospects plus Duran and cash. I wouldn’t trade Shaw for less than 4 players either.
What if we threw in a beer vendor to be named later…
no team would give up their top 5 prospects for nico Hoerner
We wouldn’t want him anyways for what you think he’s worth. You ain’t getting no top 5 or top 10 for one year light good contact Nico. So enjoy him in his last year in a Cubs uniform.
Player Formly known as Logjammer D’Baggagecling
Hoerner – Overrated attacking player, his 2025 results against right-handed pitchers:
458AB, .679 OPS
Now let’s compare Hoerner’s results with Boston’s main right-handed hitters against the right-handed pitchers, who will be playing this season:
2025
T.Story vs RHP – 453AB, .743 OPS
W.Contreras vs RHP – 367AB, .766 OPS
C.Rafaela vs RHP – 396AB, .720 OPS
C.Narvaez vs RHP – 288AB, .723 OPS
R.Gonzalez vs RHP – 185AB, .718 OPS
Hoerner’s value – is’n his defense, but I wouldn’t trade Duran’s three years for Hoerner’s one.
And I have big doubts that Herner will be able to repeat last year’s results in 6 WAR.
Red Sox have around $20M for ’26 with how Suarez’s contract was structured. All of which seems to suggest they are looking to add another player(s) now or later.
Some might expect Eugenio Suarez but the moment now his price is higher and probably longer than they want. The best fit would be Marte, who is now off the market, supposedly. Too bad it took too long to sign Ranger Suarez, they probably could’ve made it work.
The problem with Suarez is you get power, pot luck average, a lot of Ks and horrible defense. Think the second coming of Butch Hobson.
Hoerner has less power than Luis Arraez or even Romy Gonzalez. Plus isn’t he a free agent after ’26? Major pass.
Hoener doesn’t have less power than Arreaz and is a significantly better defender. You left that last part out for obvious reasons. .
Matt Shaw would be a great fit but Cubs would probably want a SP, OF’er and top 5 prospect.
I’m wondering if some of these “leaks” are designed to bring the asking price on Eugenio Suarez down to a number the Sox are comfortable with
Exactly.
Do a Dave D. Put offers on the table (if they haven’t already) for Shaw, Parades and Suarez. Heck. even CJ Abrams. Call me when you’re ready. Not bidding against myself.
Clock is ticking.
They don’t need “Swish” Suarez.
Amazed at guys yaking on this site know more than MLB GMs.
Red Sox fans, like Yankees fans, think other teams exist to meet their needs. The Cubs are not going to trade Hoerner.
Cubs aren’t trading Nico before the start of the season. They are a better team with him and they are playing for the post season. If they fall out and they can’t extend him they would probably trade him then and that’s when the Red Sox will probably have what they need, controllable pitching.
Again…
1. Shaw won’t be traded
2. Nico won’t be traded
3. Nico won’t be extended
4. Shaw will play 2B in 2027
If the Red Sox could get M. Shaw, the fans would love this guy!
The asking price for either is too high, if the Sox really want Nico they should just sign him next year.
I’d be fine with a trade if an extension was guarenteed.
Plus Shaw was born in Springfield, Mass.
Irony if there was a trade between Bregmans former and current teams? Like rain, when he’s looking for a spoon on his wedding day
Are you kidding…..any deal for Shaw would bring some serious talent back. The Red Sox are stacked with major league players, and HIGH ceiling prospects. Any deal would start with Connelly Early or Payton Tolle…….damn
No ty. He is done i n September
I think I would rather wait and see if Marcelo Mayer is just as good or better than Shaw who only had a .690 OPS last year.
Campbell and Harrison, Yoshida & cash for Hoerner or Shaw.