The Chicago Cubs clearly aimed to be playoff contenders this season, signing manager Craig Counsell to a record contract and making necessary investments. With Cody Bellinger returning and Shota Imanaga in the starting rotation, everything seemed set for success on the north side of Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox appeared to be delaying their playoff ambitions, trading away key players like Chris Sale and Alex Verdugo. The situation was so dire that CEO Sam Kennedy and general manager Craig Breslow were nearly booed offstage at the team’s fan fest.
However, midway through the season, it’s the Red Sox who are competing for a playoff spot, while the Cubs are at risk of falling out of contention. As unlikely as it seemed at the start of the season, Boston might now be in a position to acquire one of Chicago’s stars.
MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported Monday that there’s a growing possibility the Cubs could trade second baseman Nico Hoerner, who has two years of team control remaining after 2024.
If Hoerner becomes available, the Red Sox should be among the first teams to make an offer. The 27-year-old won a Gold Glove at second base in 2023 and is also strong defensively at shortstop. He would significantly improve Boston’s middle infield, which has been a weak spot all season.
Hoerner also fits the Red Sox’s new offensive strategy. Boston is on track to lead the American League in stolen bases for the first time since 1935, and Hoerner has 57 steals in 66 attempts since the start of 2023, the most among all big-league second basemen.
Despite ownership’s reluctance to add payroll over the past year, Hoerner would be a valuable acquisition for the next two seasons, not just 2024. Boston’s championship window is approaching, and a playoff berth this season would be a bonus. Additionally, the Red Sox could trade him at a future deadline if there’s an infield surplus.
Ultimately, it depends on whether the Cubs fall far enough out of contention to consider trading Hoerner. Infielders don’t age well, so if the Cubs need to rebuild or retool, moving Hoerner might be the best option. Then, Boston just needs to win the bidding war.
