JUSTIN : “Blockbuster Cubs-Yankees Trade: Hoerner to New York, Cubs Clear Path for Bregman Mega-Deal!”

Earlier this offseason, the New York Yankees lost infielder Gleyber Torres and have yet to find a suitable replacement. Despite being linked to numerous potential infielders, none of these connections have materialized, and with free agency options dwindling, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for the Yankees to secure a starting-caliber player without exploring the trade market.

This is where the Chicago Cubs and their infielder Nico Hoerner come into play. But why would the Cubs consider trading their starting second baseman? The reason is straightforward: Alex Bregman. As the top remaining free agent, Bregman appears to be a major target for the Cubs. However, Chicago hasn’t yet met his financial demands, or he would have already signed. Trading Hoerner could free up the necessary resources to pursue Bregman, allowing the Cubs to shift Bregman to third base and promote top prospect Matt Shaw to play second base daily. Keeping Hoerner while acquiring Bregman could hinder Shaw’s development by limiting his playing time early in his MLB career.

In this proposed trade, Hoerner would head to the Yankees to become their everyday second baseman, while the Cubs would receive left-handed pitching prospect Brock Selvidge and infielder Jorbit Vivas. Selvidge, 22, is a highly regarded pitching prospect with a strong four-pitch arsenal, including a solid fastball and an excellent cutter. His potential as a big-league pitcher will become clearer when he reaches Triple-A in 2025. Vivas, 23, had a mixed 2024 season, posting a .225/.348/.358 slash line across three minor league levels, primarily at Triple-A. While he’s known for his elite bat-to-ball skills, a change of scenery could help him regain the form that scouts believe he’s capable of.

This trade would align with both teams’ goals. For the Yankees, it addresses their need for a reliable second baseman, while the Cubs could use the move to facilitate the acquisition of Bregman and create space for their top prospect. However, the Cubs are unlikely to part with Hoerner unless they secure Bregman first. For more updates on MLB news and rumors, tune into MLB Insider Robert Murray’s *The Baseball Insiders* podcast, subscribe to *The Moonshot* newsletter, and join the Discord community for the latest offseason insights.