Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner has emerged as a trade target for teams this offseason as the two-time Gold Glove winner is heading into the final year of his Cubs contract.
Hoerner earned his second Gold Glove at second base last season and his impending free agency at the end of the 2026 season has drawn the interest of several MLB teams.
The San Francisco Giants have been one of the teams linked with a potential grade for Hoerner, who is a Bay Area native. Giants legend Mike Krukow highlighted a major factor hindering Hoerner’s potential move to San Francisco.
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“In regard to Nico Hoerner, he has a big problem: 30 teams want the guy,” Krukow said. “I mean, that’s how good he is. Je makes any team better. I love it when I come across an article in the paper where they bring up a name like Nico Hoerner because it allows you to dream and envision what possibly could be.”
The Cubs infielder 297/.345/.394 with seven home runs, 61 RBI, and 29 stolen bases, failing to register 30 steals for the first time in three seasons.
Giants legend urged NL West team to recruit “Bay Area” players
Mike Krukow, a former All-Star pitcher with the Giants, “loves” the idea of Nico Hoerner representing the NL West team, as he is from the Bay Area and knows the history of the franchise.
“I just love the fact he’s a Bay Area guy as far as I’m concerned,” Krukow said. “Bring back as many Bay Area guys and Valley guys and Northern California guys as you possibly can into the organization, because one thing you get with that type of player.
“You’re gonna get a guy that knows the history of the club, and I think if you have the luxury, playing for a team, you as a player know its history, you become a better player.”
It remains to be seen if the Cubs will extend Hoerner also cash him on the infielder before he becomes a free agent at the end of next season.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
