The Chicago Cubs might consider trading one of their infielders for various reasons.
The Chicago Cubs are aiming to take their franchise in a fresh direction. This shift began last offseason when they made a bold move by luring Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell with an offer too good to pass up. After a disappointing 2024 season, the Cubs now face an offseason focused on reshaping their roster while preserving the core group of players that has kept them competitive.
One option being explored is trading infielder Nico Hoerner. Hoerner currently occupies the same infield position as Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ top prospect in Triple-A, creating a roadblock for Shaw’s progression. Moving Hoerner would clear the way for Shaw to step in starting in 2025.
A logical trade destination for Hoerner could be the Seattle Mariners, a team in dire need of offensive reinforcements. The Cubs and Mariners would make ideal trade partners, as Seattle could offer an MLB-ready pitcher in return, resulting in a straightforward deal.
A Cubs-Mariners trade that moves Nico Hoerner to Seattle for pitching
Here’s how a potential trade to send Nico Hoerner to the Mariners could shape up:
Chicago Cubs
Receive:
- RHP Emerson Hancock
Seattle Mariners
Receive:
- INF Nico Hoerner
- RHP Jack Neely
The Cubs would acquire 25-year-old Emerson Hancock, a high-upside pitcher who has yet to establish himself in the majors. Hancock has struggled to find consistency in the Mariners’ crowded rotation, which features five All-Star-caliber starters and a wave of prospects. In 15 career starts, he has posted a 4.71 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP, with solid strike-zone command suggesting he might thrive given regular opportunities.
Heading to Seattle in the deal would be Hoerner, filling a significant offensive need, and pitching prospect Jack Neely. The Mariners could greatly benefit from Hoerner’s bat without having to rely on free agency, leaving room to pursue a top free agent like Pete Alonso.
Neely, a 6-foot-8 right-handed reliever, has shown considerable promise early in his career. Seattle’s pitching development system could help him reach his potential as a standout bullpen arm.
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