Padres’ glaring infield fix looks possible as Cubs face a contract-year squeeze

Despite winter meetings and the big wave of free agent signings in the month of December being in the past, there are still plenty of marquee names available. Guys like Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, and more headline what has been a very deep class.

While those guys aren’t signed yet, new names pop up in rumors. One name in particular that flew under the radar has begun to swirl as of late, and it is safe to say no one thought this would happen heading into the offseason.

However, depending on the asking price, the Padres may want to inquire about this four-tool player, who, in fact, played a role in ending San Diego’s season.

Padres’ uncomfortable infield reality could push them toward Nico Hoerner

This may seem like a shock to many, but Hoerner is entering the final year of the three-year, $35 million extension he signed in 2023. With how crowded the Cubs' infield has become with the emergence of Matt Shaw, and the potential for them to sign either Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette, the door is open for Jed Hoyer to trade Hoerner instead of losing him for nothing in free agency.

Hoerner, 28, broke out in 2025. He slashed .297/.345/.394, while being not only one of the league’s premier contact hitters, but also showing how effective he is with runners in scoring position, where he batted. .371.

On top of elite bat-to-ball skills, Hoerner earned his second Gold Glove award, being the best defensive second baseman in the league in terms of outs above average. Hoerner also presented a threat on the base paths, swiping 29 bags on the season.

Even though Luis Arráez is still on the market and has presented personal interest in returning to San Diego, he wouldn’t provide the same value as Hoerner would. Arráez’s market value is not only higher, but his skillset doesn’t even compare to Hoerner’s. It’s a five bWAR difference between the two.

Hoerner, being on the last year of his contract, coupled with the skill set he has, would make him the perfect fit for the Padres. The need for a second baseman is there, and the team is looking to trade Jake Cronenworth to remove the remaining five years, $60 million off the books.

While Hoerner’s AAV for 2026 is around the same as Cronenworth’s, there is much less commitment considering he only has one year left.

Teams such as the San Francisco Giants have been rumored to be in on Hoerner, and when there’s smoke, there’s fire. Perhaps the Padres could gain traction down the line.

For now, it is up to A.J. Preller to monitor the situation in Chicago and determine what best approach to it.