Chicago Cubs: Alex Bregman reveal might settle Nico Hoerner trade rumors

The Chicago Cubs firmly established their intention to compete for a championship with their signing of three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman.

More News: What the Chicago Cubs could get in a Nico Hoerner trade

The 5-year, $175 million deal to acquire the veteran wiped clear the growing narrative that Cubs ownership would be unwilling pay top dollar for a top-dollar talent. With this one move (which includes the previously declined use of deferred money), the Cubs’ story becomes less about having a perceived mid-market attitude in spending and opens up hope that they will begin to be more aggressive in their talent acquisition affairs.

Actually, Chicago has, overall, shown some real aggression this offseason. Including the Bregman deal, they’ve spent over $200 million on free agent pickups and they’ve also traded away their top prospect Owen Caissie in return for pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Marlins.

Nico Hoerner doubts in wake of Alex Bregman deal

More News: Chicago Cubs: Why Bregman signing is harbinger of big changes ahead

A byproduct of the Bregman deal, however, was that some doubt has been cast regarding an important fan-favorite component of the Cubs– second baseman Nico Hoerner.

Bregman taking third base pushes last year’s starting third baseman Matt Shaw into a bench role. But Shaw can also play second base…and Hoerner’s career as a Cub is actually in question beyond 2026.

Set to become a free agent after next season, Hoerner would walk into the open market as one of the gems of a relatively weak 2027 free agent class.

Set to make $12 million this coming season, there was also the feeling that the Cubs could opt to trade him away to put them back comfortably under the luxury tax threshold after the Bregman signing put them right at the limit.

The countless and continuous trade rumors involving Hoerner also didn’t help dispel the notion that the old school second baseman might not remain a Cub.

Cubs answer the Hoerner trade question, at least partially

However, a recent revelation from the Cubs, themselves, is helping kill off the notion that the team may be shopping Hoerner.

With Wednesday’s official confirmation of the Bregman deal, Chicago is also confirming that Bregman will now be sporting no. 3 on his uniform.

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO… pic.twitter.com/7lvHSERXQQ

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 14, 2026

The 10-year-veteran has worn the no. 2 on his jersey throughout his career as a motivational reminder that he was selected no. 2 overall in the 2015 MLB draft– ironically, behind no. 1 draft pick Dansby Swanson. Moving on from his number of choice is a tip of the hat to the Cubs’ current no. 2, Hoerner.

In other words, the plan is for Hoerner to stay put in Chicago.

Bregman tipped his hand in this matter when he attended a Chicago Blackhawks game Monday night wearing a Blackhawks jersey sporting the number 3.

Good news is good news

Now, of course, it would be really easy to change back to no. 2 if the Cubs got an offer on Hoerner that they couldn’t refuse. But, still, this is at least a sign that the team is considering Hoerner as a fixture for now.

Questions remain regarding the plans for Shaw and whether anyone has to be subtracted from a now-overstuffed infield. Ideally, the sophomore Shaw could move comfortably into a utility role and serve as insurance against injury or the possible loss of Hoerner after 2026. It would be even more ideal if the Cubs were able to extend Hoerner and then worry about finding Shaw some playing time or, perhaps, a new team.

Whatever the case, Bregman is now officially official and Hoerner, at least for now, remains a Cub.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-alex-bregman-nico-hoerner-trade-jersey-number