The Chicago Cubs haven’t started the 2026 MLB season exactly how they would have liked. They went 1-2 against the Washington Nationals in their opening series.
While the first three games haven’t been ideal, the Cubs are still viewed as a top World Series contender in the National League. They also made a big-time contract move during the middle of the series against the Nationals as well.
Nico Hoerner, the team’s star second baseman, was signed to a big six-year, $141 million contract extension. After an offseason full of trade rumors surrounding Hoerner, he has now locked in a deal that would keep him as a centerpiece in Chicago for many years to come.
On Sunday March 29, a new update was shared about Horner’s deal with the Cubs. There was one specific demand he had in order to get a new deal agreed upon.
Chicago Cubs’ Deal With Nico Hoerner Lands New Update
As shared by insider Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Jed Hoyer has revealed that Hoerner and his agency demanded a full no-trade clause.
“Cubs President of baseball opts Jed Hoyer said one of the major demands by Hoerner and his agency was a full no- trade clause,” Levine wrote on X. “Hoyer said there would not been an agreement without it.”
At the end of the day, no one can blame Hoerner for wanting the no-trade clause. He just came through an offseason filled with a new rumor about him nearly every single day. For him to sign a six-year deal, it’s reasonable that he would want some control.
Hoerner has been an integral part of Chicago since coming into the big leagues back in 2019. He has remained a steady presence at the plate and has been elite defensively.
Locking Hoerner in Was a Wise Move by the Cubs
There were moments during the offseason that it appeared the Cubs could actually trade Hoerner. Following the signing of Alex Bregman, the rumors hit an all-time high.
Over the years, rumblings have been heard about Hoerner. This year, it was different.
Last season with Chicago, Hoerner played in 156 games. He hit seven home runs, drove in 61 RBI, stole 29 bases, and produced a slash line of .297/.345/.373.
Looking into the future, the Cubs are set for the most part in the infield. Bregman, Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Michael Busch seem likely to remain together for awhile. Matt Shaw will remain a super utility kind of player for the time being.
Next up for Chicago will be a series against the Los Angeles Angels at Wrigley Field. Hopefully, the team can get into a rhythm and start living up to its preseason hype.
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