The Cubs' future at second base is a topic of much speculation, especially after the recent signing of Alex Bregman. With Bregman's arrival, the spotlight shifts to Nico Hoerner, who has become a pivotal figure in the team's plans. The question on everyone's mind is whether the Cubs will extend Hoerner's contract, especially given the recent trade rumors and the team's strong performance in the NL Central. But here's where it gets controversial... The Cubs have a strong chance of winning the NL Central, and Hoerner is a key player in that equation. However, the team's recent trades and signings, such as Caleb Durbin and Luis Arraez, suggest that they are building for the future. This could mean that Hoerner's extension is not a priority, and the team might be more interested in trading him before his walk year. And this is the part most people miss... The Cubs have a strong relationship with Hoerner, and it's possible that they will extend him before the deadline. However, if they do, it could make them more willing to trade Matt Shaw, who has been pushed into a utility role. The question remains: what would it take to keep Hoerner in Chicago? The answer may lie in the team's future plans and their willingness to invest in long-term deals. As Spring Training gets underway, the focus might now swing to an extension. March is the most common time of year for those conversations. If the Cubs are able to get a long-term deal done with Hoerner this spring, that could make them more comfortable dangling Shaw in deadline talks if any top-of-the-rotation starters come available. The relationship between team and player is strong enough that it'd be a surprise if they didn't have some conversations before Opening Day about what it'd take to keep him off the market. Let's try to narrow down what that might cost.
