Despite losing outfielder Juan Soto to free agency, the New York Yankees have been active this offseason. However, as they prepare to defend their American League pennant in 2025, one major gap remains in their infield. With Gleyber Torres gone to the Detroit Tigers, could Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner be the answer?
General manager Brian Cashman has already signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal to take over first base, but there has yet to be a move to fill the second base spot. MLB analyst Robbie Hyde suggests the Yankees and Cubs could make a trade, with Hoerner heading to New York and starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt going to Chicago.
Hyde believes Hoerner would be a great fit for the Yankees, offering a high-contact bat and everyday consistency at second base. He also sees the possibility of moving Jazz Chisholm back to third base, adding flexibility to the infield. “This would be an everyday option to plug in there,” Hyde said. “Hoerner is a guy with a high-contact bat… It would be an awesome addition for the Yankees.”
Hoerner, who won a Gold Glove Award in 2023, is coming off a solid 2024 season, posting a .708 OPS with seven home runs, 35 doubles, 48 RBIs, 86 runs scored, and 31 steals in 641 plate appearances. He is set to earn $11.5 million in 2025 as part of his three-year, $35 million contract with the Cubs.
Hyde also believes Schmidt, who took a significant step forward in 2024, could provide a valuable addition to the Cubs’ rotation.
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