Giants Trade Rumor For Cubs' Nico Hoerner Comes With Personal Twist

Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner has a strong personal connection to a team that's interested in trading for him.

Jul 29, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) walks off the field at the end of the first inning in the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

One of the more surprising aspects of the Chicago Cubs' offseason has been the chatter around the team potentially trading star second baseman Nico Hoerner.

In a November 28 article, MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand asserted that Hoerner was an "ideal trade fit" for the Cubs this offseason. Feinsand reasoned that Hoerner is under team control for one more season, which means Chicago might be wise to deal him right now and get something in return rather than let him walk in free agency.

Not to mention that the Cubs could move incumbent third baseman Matt Shaw to Hoerner's second base spot and then pursue Alex Bregman (who plays third base) in free agency.

Nico Hoerner | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

While other insiders have since shut down the idea of Chicago considering a trade for Hoerner (who is a key part of the Cubs' clubhouse camaraderie, just won his second NL Gold Glove Award, and hit .297 last season), that hasn't kept opposing clubs from inquiring about him.

This was revealed in a December 17 article from Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle, who reported that the San Francisco Giants have "checked in" with the Cubs about a potential deal for Hoerner.

Why Nico Hoerner could be compelled by trade to Giants

Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The fact that it's the San Francisco Giants who are showing interest in a trade for Hoerner makes all the sense in the world for him, given his roots.

Hoerner was born and raised in Oakland, California. He grew up a diehard Oakland A's fan and went to college at Stanford University, which is about an hour's drive away from San Francisco. Since the A's are no longer in the Bay Area, if Hoerner desired a return to his hometown, then the Giants would be the only option.

It's worth noting that Hoerner would not necessarily have a full say in where he would be traded. While there are conflicting reports about whether his current contract includes a no-trade clause, if it does, one would imagine that Hoerner would be more open to a trade to the Bay Area than just about anywhere else.

Nico Hoerner | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

And given that Hoerner has been a fantastic ambassador for Cubs baseball during his entire career, perhaps the front office would ensure that he'd be content with the team they were trading him to if they made that decision.

Just because a team is interested in trading for Hoerner doesn't mean he's going anywhere. But this story will be fascinating to follow over the next year, especially now that Hoerner's hometown team is involved.

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