Matthew Lenz

Following the acquisition of superstar third baseman Alex Bregman, rumors have been swirling about the Chicago Cubs and two of their utility infielders regarding their roles with the team. While it seems unlikely that Nico Horner ends up being traded, Matt Shaw seems like a more likely candidate. Or, maybe they'll just turn him into a super utility… John Antonoff shared a video via his X account of Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw taking reps in the outfield. However, how deep we can look at that remains to be unclear. On one hand, they could be getting shot reps so that he can play either corner outfield spot when Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki needs a rest. While both players are strong, offensively, they are both average, two slightly below average, defenders at their respective positions. Shaw's experience in the outfield is extremely limited, while he doesn't have any professional experience, he did appear and left and right field a total of 40 times as an amateur. Depending on how quickly he can pick up outfield defense, he may not be much of a downgrade when half or Suzuki need a day off. On the other hand, the Cubs could be using this time as an opportunity for teams to see that Shaw in the outfield is within the realm of possibility. Do you think the Cubs end up hanging onto Shaw? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

Over the weekend, Chicago Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins suggested that the franchise is willing to surpass the competitive balance tax threshold and pay luxury tax in the 2026 season, given the team's status as a contender. While it was initially thought that it would impact a potential return in a Matt Shaw or Nico Hoerner deal, recent reports suggest that the Cubs may not be done in free agency. While on 670 The Score, Bruce Levine reported that talks between the Cubs and Zac Gallen are (still) "ongoing". It was erroneously reported over a month ago that the two sides had agreed to a deal. Additionally, Jon Heyman of the NY Post is reporting that the Cubs are one of many teams interested in utility man Miguel Andujar. For a dive into Gallen, be sure to check out our own Matthew Trueblood's analysis from early December. We at Diamond Centric predict that Gallen will sign a four-year, $74 million deal. On the other hand, Andujar is a new name in the fold. At 31 years old, Andujar is coming off his best season with a .822 OPS (125 wRC+) and 10 home runs. With the Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds, he played a little bit in each of the corner infield and corner outfield spots. The need for Andujar is questionable as the team is flush with versatile depth after acquiring Alex Bregman, Tyler Austin, and Justin Dean this offseason. However, Andujar would represent an upgrade over the latter two names. Do you think the Cubs should sign either or both players? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

The Chicago Cubs see themselves as contenders in 2026. After the offseason they've had, that is a completely justifiable viewpoint to have. In fact, a recent report suggests that they are willing to do what it takes to topple the modern-day "evil empire known" as the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports that Chicago Cubs general manager Cody Hawkins has said paying the luxury tax in 2026 is "less of a consideration." He added that the team will remain active in the free-agent and trade markets if something presents itself. Although not off the table, realistically, this likely indicates the Cubs' willingness to add payroll via trade. Cody Bellinger and Framber Valdez represent the two biggest names left on the free agent market, and the Chicago Cubs have not been tied to either player. However, the Alex Bregman signing created an opportunity to shop Matt Shaw and/or Nico Hoerner to two teams in need of versatile infield help. It would be in those trade talks, which have reportedly already been presented, where the Cubs would be willing to add a high-impact player to their roster regardless of what it would mean for their payroll and luxury tax situation. If the Cubs were to pay the luxury tax, which player(s) currently available would be worth it? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

The Chicago Cubs are hoping to hit on at least one diamond in the rough and have added another candidate to the growing list of players on a minor league contract. Independent reporter Francys Romero is reporting that the Chicago Cubs and righty reliever Yacksel Rios have agreed to a minor league deal. Though not reported, these deals typically include an invitation to big league camp as well. Rios, 32, hasn't pitched in Major League Baseball since 2023 with the Oakland Athletics. For the last two seasons, he has spent time in the New York Mets organization (mostly at Triple-A - Syracuse); however, he was limited to 4 appearances in 2025 after suffering an injury in 2024. Over his career, he has made 92 relief appearances, posting a 6.32 ERA (5.61 FIP) across 98 1/3 innings. He has a lowly 8.3% strikeout minus walk rate thanks to an elevated walk rate, which has always been a hindrance to his success. Do you think Rios can show enough to break camp with a big league club, or is he destined for Triple-A Iowa? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

It's been a very good off-season for the Chicago Cubs, and now they are rewarding three members of their front office. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com shared an official communication from the Chicago Cubs, announcing Garrett Chiado being promoted to assistant general manager, Ben Martin being promoted to assistant director of Major League development, and Brad Moylan being promoted to coordinator of Major League Video and Technology. Chiado previously held two titles, Director of Pro Strategy and Director of Pro Analytics. Per the release, he will "we're closely with executive leadership on broader organizational strategy and acquisition initiatives." Martin, previously the assistant Director of player develop, will "lead evidenced base planning and analysis for Major League position players, while ensuring alignment with the Player Development department", per the release. Moylan, who was the International Scouting Data and Technology assistant, will "oversee the club's instant replay process, providing video and technology support, and assisting with advanced logistics." What do you think of these promotions? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

The Chicago Cubs have not stood Pat since acquiring Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins and signing superstar third baseman Alex Bregman. While they haven't made significant moves, they have made a trio of moves that will improve the team's depth. First, they signed reliever Corbin Martin to a minor league deal, which we covered here. Then Ari Alexander of 7News Boston reported that they were doing the same with reliever Tyler Beede. That was capped off by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reporting that they claimed outfielder Justin Dean off of waivers from the San Francisco Giants. Neither of the latter two players made an impact at the MLB level in 2025. Beede is the bigger dart throw. Though he spent part of the season in the Minnesota Twins organization's Triple-A affiliate, Saint Paul, he also spent time in the Independent and Mexican baseball leagues. With the Twins, he made seven appearances (1 start) with an 8.00 ERA, slightly better than his 13 games pitched in 2024 for the Cleveland Guardians. Dean technically made it to the big leagues last year, playing in 18 games, though he was primarily used as a base-running specialist and defensive replacement, with just two plate appearances. In Triple-A Oklahoma City, he hit .289 with a .809 OPS, six home runs, 27 stolen bases, and a 110 wRC+ over 347 plate appearances. If he can hit well enough, he's a great 26th man off the bench in late-inning, high-leverage situations. Which of the three signings do you think has the best chance at making an impact in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

It's been a few weeks since we've had any updates on the San Francisco Giants interest of Nico Horner. A recent report suggests that interest may be getting bigger and, with the recent signing of Alex Bregman, the Chicago Cubs utility infielder is more of a movable asset. Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that "the San Francisco Giants are aggressively pursuing a second baseman" and names Hoerner as a target. Though he logged innings primarily at shortstop in 2025, Hoerner has long been a utility man and can play the Keystone. Not particularly known for his power, Oracle Park would likely sap the little bit that he has, though he is always a threat on the base path. Over seven seasons with the Cubs he has been a slightly above average hitter with a .742 OPS and a 103 wRC+. There's always the possibility that Matt Shaw could be another candidate, though there has been no indication that his name has been brought up in any trade talks with the Giants or otherwise. Do you think the Cubs should move on from one of Hoerner or Shaw? Let us know what you think in the comments! View full rumor

After landing superstar, third baseman, Alex Bregman, the Chicago Cubs have options on how to handle some of their young, controllable infielders. In particular, Matt Shaw and Nico Horner could each be super utility and elite depth options for the club or they could be trade candidates to improve other areas of their roster. Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated is reporting that the New York Yankees have "legitimate interest" in Hoerner. The Bronx Bombers may be particularly motivated and aggressive in their pursuit of Hoerner, considering the impasse they are currently at with free agent Cody Bellinger. In parts of seven seasons with the Cubs, Hoerner has been a slightly above average hitter with a .742 OPS and a 103 wRC+. His power potential is limited that would play up in Yankee Stadium and he's provided four consecutive seasons of 20 or more stolen bases. In the field, the super utility has played every position except for catcher, first base, and right field, however, he spent a significant portion of 2025 at shortstop for the Cubs and hasn't played in the grass in four seasons. Do you think the Cubs should look to deal one of Hoerner or Shaw? Or keep them as super utility options who can still regularly be in the lineup giving other players reprieve? Let us know what you're thinking in the comments! View full rumor