Cubs Reportedly Interested in Bichette, Listening on Hoerner
The Astros signed Tatsuya Imai on Thursday, taking away one of the main options for the Cubs this winter. They now have to look elsewhere to enhance the starting rotation, but Jed Hoyer’s offense will need an upgrade as well. Kyle Tucker’s departure has left a void in the lineup, and the Cubs have several different options to try and replace that production.
Jon Heyman reported on Thursday afternoon that the Cubs have shown interest in free agent Bo Bichette, who can play several positions around the infield. It’s been reported that Bichette is open to playing second base, which could factor into the Cubs’ plans.
During the 2025 regular season, the 32-year-old posted a 125 wRC+ and 3.5 fWAR in 114 games. He had a .311 batting average and 18 home runs, showcasing himself as a complete offensive force for the Blue Jays. He missed a significant portion of the season due to a knee sprain, but returned just in time to provide a home run in Game 7 of the World Series.
BO WANTS NOISE 🗣️
HIS FIRST #WORLDSERIES HOMER! pic.twitter.com/HYASfMGE0A
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 2, 2025
Heyman also mentioned that the Cubs are “fielding calls” on Nico Hoerner. The trade rumors surrounding Hoerner aren’t exactly shocking, as they’ve circulated every offseason for the past several years. Hoerner’s availability has been a hot topic this winter, with the Giants previously named in reports about teams that are interested in his services.
The new rumors surrounding Bichette and Hoerner could be related, with the former serving as a potential replacement if the latter is dealt elsewhere. There does not appear to be enough of an upgrade to justify such a swap, especially considering the massive cost increase, although it would ultimately depend on the return Hoerner would command in a trade. If the Cubs are not going to extend him, extracting value before he departs in free agency is not the worst idea. However, failing to extend him in the first place is a questionable decision.
Signing Bichette and trading Hoerner does not feel like a likely course of action, especially since it would leave the offense largely unchanged from 2025. Well, except for the loss of a 136 wRC+ hitter in right field. That production would need to be replaced, likely by Owen Caissie, which is a significant amount of pressure to place on him in what would be his first full season.
Don’t expect any of these rumors to die down until both Bichette and Alex Bregman have signed, which could take a while yet.
