Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs in early January, leaving the Boston Red Sox in the dust after another long offseason spent pursuing him. Bo Bichette has also signed and Ketel Marte has been removed from the trade market, and many rumors have suggested the Red Sox turn to the team that stole Bregman to trade for their backup plan.
Many optimistic fans and writers have guessed that the Cubs will make second baseman Nico Hoerner available on the trade market since Bregman joined their infield. The 28-year-old has one year of team control remaining on his contract and Chicago could hope to get out in front of his departure in free agency and secure a return for him.