As the Yankees look to strengthen their infield for the 2025 season, Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner emerges as an intriguing option. Renowned for his exceptional defense and strong base-running, Hoerner could provide the Yankees with much-needed stability at second base, a position that has been a challenge to solidify since Gleyber Torres’ departure.
With two years of control left and an $11.67 million salary, Hoerner presents a valuable, win-now asset for the Yankees. A possible trade scenario could involve sending prospects Will Warren, Jake Cousins, and Carlos Lagrange to the Cubs in exchange for Hoerner, strengthening the Yankees’ infield while adding significant depth to their roster.
Hoerner’s All-Around Value
Nico Hoerner offers a balanced skill set that could be highly beneficial to the Yankees. In 2024, the 27-year-old played 151 games, posting a slash line of .273/.335/.373 with seven home runs, 48 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. While his power numbers aren’t overwhelming, his 103 wRC+ and outstanding base-running metrics more than compensate for it. Defensively, Hoerner is one of the league’s top second basemen, with four defensive runs saved and 10 outs above average across 1,234.1 innings. His elite defensive abilities would be a valuable asset to the Yankees, a team that could use more focus on run prevention.
Hoerner’s ability to influence the game with his glove, speed, and bat would provide the Yankees with a dependable presence either at the top or bottom of their lineup. His contact-heavy approach and speed make him an ideal candidate for the leadoff spot, where he could set the tone and generate opportunities for the rest of the lineup.
What the Yankees Would Be Giving Up
To land Hoerner, the Yankees would likely have to part with several valuable assets. The proposed trade package includes Will Warren, Jake Cousins, and Carlos Lagrange, each bringing notable upside. Warren, a promising pitching prospect, has shown strong potential, while Cousins offers bullpen depth, and Lagrange, an intriguing position player, could provide future value. Together, these prospects could appeal to the Cubs as they look to build for the future.
Will Warren, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, made his MLB debut in 2024, logging 22.2 innings with a 10.32 ERA. Despite the rough ERA, Warren impressed with his strikeout ability. As a back-end starter with significant room for growth, he offers the Cubs valuable, cost-controlled depth for their rotation, making him an appealing piece in a trade package.
Jake Cousins, a 30-year-old reliever, had an impressive 2024 season in the Yankees’ bullpen. He posted a 2.37 ERA over 38 innings, striking out 12.55 batters per nine innings while showcasing a dominant slider that held opposing hitters to a .140 batting average. With four years of team control remaining, Cousins would provide the Cubs with a valuable late-inning arm to strengthen their bullpen for the long term.
Carlos Lagrange, a 21-year-old pitching prospect, adds further upside to the trade package. The right-hander spent most of 2024 in Single-A, posting a 6.91 ERA while striking out 14.1 batters per nine innings over 14.1 innings. Despite his high ERA, Lagrange’s projectable frame and improving command make him an intriguing long-term asset for the Cubs’ farm system, offering significant potential as he develops.
Why This Makes Sense for the Yankees
Acquiring Hoerner would provide the Yankees with a definitive solution at second base, a position that has remained unsettled despite the emergence of Jazz Chisholm and DJ LeMahieu’s presence. Hoerner’s elite defense, strong base-running, and offensive consistency would be a perfect complement to the Yankees’ power-heavy lineup, enhancing their infield depth and versatility. His well-rounded skill set would provide the team with a reliable, all-around player who could contribute both offensively and defensively.
While the prospect cost is significant, Hoerner’s two years of control at a manageable salary make him an attractive target for a Yankees team aiming to compete at the highest level. His addition would also provide the Yankees with flexibility heading into the trade deadline, enabling them to focus on other areas of need without having to address their second base situation. This could strengthen their overall roster and improve their chances of making a deep postseason run.
For the Cubs, this trade would inject their roster with valuable pitching depth and future upside, offering a fair return for a player who might be nearing the end of his time in Chicago. The package of prospects, including Warren, Cousins, and Lagrange, would provide a strong foundation for the Cubs’ future while giving them the flexibility to rebuild and strengthen their pitching staff. This trade could prove to be a win-win for both teams, positioning them for success as they approach the 2025 season.
