Yankees’ Bold Three-Team Trade Proposal Lands Them Ideal Infielder
MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs
The Yankees are in the market for an infielder, and the Cubs’ potential pursuit of Alex Bregman could create an opportunity for New York to acquire Nico Hoerner. While Chicago may consider moving the young infielder, clearing space for Matt Shaw might be a secondary motivation rather than the primary reason for a deal.
The Cubs are likely aiming to strengthen their starting rotation, but the Yankees don’t possess the type of pitcher Jed Hoyer would seek. It’s unlikely that Brian Cashman would be willing to part with three years of Clarke Schmidt or five years of Luis Gil in exchange for two years of Nico Hoerner.
This could seemingly shut down the Yankees’ chances of landing Hoerner—unless a third team enters the picture. In a scenario where all three teams meet their objectives, the Yankees, Cubs, and Padres could orchestrate a trade that benefits each franchise significantly.
Yankees, Cubs, and Padres Swap Key Players in Hypothetical Blockbuster
MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs, Nico Hoerner, Yankees
Nico Hoerner would be an ideal addition for the Yankees, enhancing their defense and baserunning while also providing an above-average bat. Since 2022, Hoerner has maintained a wRC+ above 103, and with his strong on-base skills, he could be an option to lead off, though Aaron Boone has left that spot open for now.
Over the last three seasons, Hoerner has averaged over 4 bWAR and fWAR per year, primarily playing second base. His presence would raise both the floor and ceiling of the Yankees, making them one of the league’s top defensive and baserunning teams.
A trio of Jazz Chisholm, Anthony Volpe, and Nico Hoerner could each steal 30 bases, with Jasson Dominguez and Cody Bellinger adding more speed to the mix. Boone has acknowledged on WFAN that hearing Dodgers players critique the Yankees’ fundamentals was frustrating, and Hoerner’s addition would help address that concern.
Were the Yankees fundamentally flawed? Their defensive struggles may have been overstated, but their baserunning was historically poor. Last season, they recorded their worst team BsR since MLB’s integration in 1946. Acquiring Hoerner would directly address this weakness and improve their overall performance.
While the Cubs need a frontline starter, the Yankees can’t provide one—but the Padres can.
Dylan Cease has been rumored to be available, and while the Padres have set a high asking price, a trade by season’s end remains a possibility. They recently settled with Michael King in arbitration, securing him for 2025, but could still choose to deal Cease to save money and acquire much-needed outfield help.
If AJ Preller is open to a reasonable trade package, what could finally persuade the Padres’ long-time GM to make a deal? The Cubs might hesitate to sign Alex Bregman and further deplete their farm system, but if the Yankees contribute to San Diego’s return, all three teams could get what they need in one move.
Proposed Trade Details
Cubs Receive:
SP Dylan Cease
2B/3B James Triantos
SP Javier Assad
SP Will Warren
RP Jake Cousins
With Will Warren and Javier Assad, the Padres gain two cost-controlled starters for 2025, adding a 25-year-old and a 27-year-old with a combined 10 years of club control. Given that Yu Darvish and Michael King remain the anchors of San Diego’s rotation, they could slot Assad as their No. 3 starter, Waldron as No. 4, and Warren as No. 5.
The key prospect in the deal is James Triantos, an infielder who has recently tried playing center field. If the Padres transition him to left field, similar to how they did with Jackson Merrill, he could solidify their outfield and leave designated hitter as their only remaining weak spot.
Jake Cousins provides San Diego with additional bullpen depth, offering a cost-effective reliever while potentially allowing them to trade a more expensive arm like Yuki Matsui or Wandy Peralta