The Chicago Cubs find themselves unexpectedly contemplating a seller’s role at the 2024 trade deadline, a position they never anticipated. Their season took a sharp downturn after a promising 17-9 start, losing 12 of their last 14 series and plummeting to the bottom of the National League Central standings.
Despite initial hopes for playoff contention, the harsh reality now suggests the Cubs may need to part with beloved players if the right offers materialize. MLB Network insider Jon Morosi discussed potential trade scenarios on MLB Central, highlighting second baseman Nico Hoerner as a possible candidate, with the Seattle Mariners emerging as a suitable destination.
Morosi noted, “You look at a team like the Seattle Mariners needing a second baseman, not just for this year but looking ahead as well.” Hoerner, 27, signed a three-year arbitration extension with annual salaries of $11.5 million for the next two seasons and $12 million in 2026. His defensive prowess was underscored by winning his first Gold Glove at second base in 2023, complemented by versatile play at shortstop.
Hoerner’s skill set aligns perfectly with Seattle’s needs, boasting exceptional contact rates (98th percentile in strikeout rate), outstanding defense (four outs above average at second base), and a base-stealing ability that saw him succeed in 57 out of 66 attempts since the beginning of the 2023 season.
At the outset of the season, the Cubs didn’t foresee a scenario where trading Hoerner would be under consideration. His speed, defensive capabilities, and consistent hitting made him the team’s most valuable position player over the last two seasons, accumulating 9.3 bWAR from 2022 to 2023.
However, Chicago’s slide out of playoff contention, now five games adrift, necessitates a reevaluation of their trade deadline strategy. Trading Hoerner, despite his considerable team control and positional longevity concerns past 30, could prove pivotal for the Cubs’ future. Yet, relinquishing a young cornerstone in the midst of a disappointing season would undoubtedly be a bitter pill to swallow.
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