Report: Yankees and Cubs Discussing Trade

The Yankees and Cubs have had recent trade talks surrounding infielder Nico Hoerner, according to Sports Illustrated.

The rumor comes one day after the Yankees are at an impasse in negotiations with free agent Cody Bellinger.

This trade would make so much sense for the Yankees with their need for a right-handed bat. The only question -- where does Anthony Volpe play when he returns in May? The Yankees have shown no willingness from moving off of Volpe, and that could change (hopefully) with this deal.

Adding Horner would give the Yankees one of the better defensive infields in baseball, with Ryan McMahon at third, Hoerner at short, Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second and Ben Rice at first. The Yankees defense, which has been an issue in recent seasons, would be really good.

Horner also provides a leadoff bat the Yankees need, as well as that right-handed bat.

The Yankees would need to give up a kings ransom to get Hoerner, and the Yankees absolutly need to do it. This would allow the Yankees to see what a full season of Jasson Dominguez looks like in left field, something I desperately want to see.

Hoerner will be a free agent after the 2026 season. He has shown the willingness to take an extension with the Cubs, which is something the Yankees should look to do if he performs well in New York.

Your ball, Cashman.