The Chicago Cubs have checked in on free-agent infielder, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, a development that could signal a potential infield reshuffle if Chicago decides to move Nico Hoerner or comes up empty elsewhere on the market.
The infielder’s free-agent buzz had been relatively quiet and largely centered on AL East teams, but Heyman’s report suggests the Cubs are at least evaluating a player who could prompt meaningful decisions at second base, or possibly third, depending on how the rest of the offseason unfolds.
The two-time All-Star, has been most commonly connected to a return to the Toronto Blue Jays as well as the Boston Red Sox, who reportedly held a Zoom meeting with him. With Chicago now checking in, the Cubs join a group that also includes the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.
For the Cubs, the positional fit is what makes this situation intriguing. Many evaluators believe his long-term value may come away from shortstop, and he has already begun to show some versatility. During the 2025 World Series, he logged time at second base while returning from a knee injury, a detail that matters for teams pitching a multi-position role.
There is also a reason clubs continue to debate where Bo Bichette fits defensively. Advanced metrics have not been kind to him at shortstop, with Baseball Savant-based reporting showing him in the first percentile in Outs Above Average in 2025, reinforcing the idea that a position change could be beneficial.
What It Means for the Cubs’ Infield
At first glance, Chicago does not have an obvious opening at shortstop. Dansby Swanson is firmly established there, and Hoerner remains the everyday second baseman. However, this rumor gains traction because Hoerner has drawn trade interest, giving the Cubs a realistic path to creating space without forcing an awkward alignment.
Hoerner’s contract adds urgency to the conversation. He is under team control through 2026 after signing a three-year, $35 million extension that covered his remaining arbitration seasons. If the Cubs are unsure whether he is part of their long-term core, this offseason represents a prime window to trade him for pitching or other needs.
That context elevates Bo Bichette from a speculative target to a legitimate alternative. If second base opens up, Bichette has shown a willingness to play there, allowing Chicago to emphasize his offensive upside while minimizing defensive risk.
Third base also remains in play. Should the Cubs fall short in their pursuit of Alex Bregman, Bichette could be positioned as another way to significantly boost the lineup, even though he has not played the position at the major league level.
Why This Matters Right Now & Key Details to Watch
This remains a preliminary check-in rather than a deal nearing completion, but such contact often precedes either a major trade decision or a pivot after missing on a top target like Bregman.
Key details to monitor include Hoerner’s control through 2026 on a $35 million deal, making the timing of a trade logical. Bichette’s real-game experience at second base, including on the World Series stage, supports his flexibility. Defensive concerns at shortstop continue to fuel discussion about a move. The Cubs’ parallel tracks are clear, with Bregman as Plan A and Bichette emerging as a credible Plan B.
If trade buzz around Hoerner intensifies or Bregman signs elsewhere, expect the Bichette-to-Cubs conversation to grow louder, as the roster fit becomes far easier to justify.