Nico Hoerner Navigates Trade Rumors with Humor
The Chicago Cubs’ offseason has been filled with surprises, but one of the most unexpected developments has been the emergence of beloved second baseman Nico Hoerner’s name in trade discussions. Initially, the speculation stemmed from a logical perspective: with Hoerner set to become an unrestricted free agent next winter, the Cubs might consider trading him. In this scenario, Matt Shaw could transition to second base, allowing the organization to pursue a high-caliber infielder like Alex Bregman.
Despite the rationale behind these rumors, the idea of Hoerner departing Chicago always felt far-fetched. He is not just a key player on the field; he is also a vital presence in the clubhouse. After all, Hoerner recently clinched his second NL Gold Glove Award and posted an impressive .297 batting average last season. Players of his caliber are not easily parted with, especially by a franchise striving for success.
Giants Interest Adds Intrigue
However, the narrative shifted on December 17 when Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the San Francisco Giants had “checked in” with the Cubs regarding Hoerner. This development carries weight for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it indicates that Hoerner’s name is circulating in trade conversations, even if only among rival teams. Secondly, the fact that the Giants are involved adds a compelling twist; Hoerner was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, which could make a potential trade even more appealing for him.
Lighthearted Responses to Trade Chatter
Hoerner addressed the swirling rumors during a December 29 appearance on 670 The Score. When asked if he keeps up with the trade chatter, he replied, “Yeah. I see most stuff. I mean, things are inevitably sent to me, especially when it’s, like, connected to the Giants. People here, obviously, get excited about things like that.”
He went on to explain the complexity of trade rumors, noting, “It’s hard to explain to people that things can be, ‘Yes, that’s not false reporting. But that also doesn’t really mean anything.’ It’s like hard to navigate that space, I think. But yeah, I see stuff.”
The conversation took a humorous turn when the show’s hosts expressed their desire for Hoerner to remain with the Cubs, stating their feelings of sadness and anger at the thought of a trade, “No matter the haul.” Hoerner playfully responded, “No matter the haul? That’s really nice. There are some good players out there! There are some good players out there.”
A Fun Moment Amid Speculation
The lighthearted exchange showcased Hoerner’s ability to maintain a sense of humor amidst the speculation. As he paused his workout to engage in conversation, it was clear that while the trade rumors may loom, his connection to the Cubs and their fans remains strong. For now, Hoerner’s future in Chicago may be uncertain, but his charisma and talent continue to endear him to fans as they await the next chapter in his career.
