Cubs Week in Review: Alex Bregman Introduction, Nico Hoerner Trade Rumors Dominate Convention Week

To paraphrase legendary Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo's remarks at Cubs Convention this weekend in downtown Chicago: this team should be a contender every year. Well, as luck would have it, recent additions to an already stout roster could make that true for the foreseeable future. That doesn't mean that all is well in Wrigleyville, however, as continued trade rumors involving the vital and beloved infielder Nico Hoerner haven't ceased. If things break right, this season possesses the potential to be a truly special one. When you're a squad at or near the top, though, improvements—let alone ones large enough to push you the next rung up the ladder—come harder and at higher costs.

As the organization and its fans celebrated the 2016 World Series champions this weekend, everyone had a chance to reflect on how that magic happened. Bold moves and painful rebuilding years paved the way to sustained success. What resonates most, however, is how galvanized that team was, and how each member of that clubhouse wanted to be there. Here in 2026, standout newcomer Alex Bregman and his embrace of his team and the city have conjured up similar feelings.

If and when Nico Hoerner takes the field for the first time this spring at Sloan Park, it will elicit a cathartic sigh of relief for Cubs fans—and some of the players. This current North Side baseball team is built on character, chemistry, and results. Hoerner is part of that fabric. While some pundits have gotten swept up in discussions regarding the inconsistent Matt Shaw, Hoerner has been one of the most steady players in professional baseball. He pelts fastballs, doesn't strike out, and is one of the best defensive second basemen in the big leagues. If that weren't enough, both his profile and commitment to his club harmoniously align with the directive of this team in 2026 and beyond. 

It took quite some time for this organization to get back to a place of perennial contention, so in my opinion, no one is expendable in this clubhouse—even if, at times, it feels like Shaw could be. If Shaw stays, the Cubs will benefit on both sides of the ball, as long as Craig Counsell can find places to play him without disrupting the rhythm of his starting infielders. On the other side of that coin, if he is dealt, his new club will no doubt greatly benefit from his presence. The Cubs would have to get such a trade right, to ensure that they improve in both the short term and the long term.

Hoerner and Shaw are both Cubs as the Convention draws to a close. This weekend, though, both Jed Hoyer and Crane Kenney indicated the team will still make more moves before the offseason is over. What those moves add (and perhaps what they cost) for the 2026 team will heavily influence the fan base's mood come the middle of next month, when pitchers and catchers report to spring training.