CHICAGO — Dansby Swanson was attending the wedding of one of his best friends when news broke Saturday night that the Cubs had signed star third baseman Alex Bregman. The Cubs shortstop sent Bregman a quick text message and they soon had a quick phone call.
On Friday’s opening night of the Cubs Convention, Swanson spoke volumes about what Bregman can bring — both in leadership and performance — to the team during his five-year contract. Teammates often rave about second baseman Nico Hoerner in the same way, and count Swanson among those who hope trade rumors remain in the realm of speculation.
“Nico means the world to me and to this team, just who he is,” Swanson said. “He brings the same kind of energy and competitive spirit that Alex did. He’s just a great player, a really good winner, and irreplaceable, really.”
Bregman’s arrival in the Cubs’ lineup creates a domino effect that elevates Matt Shaw to third base and to a much smaller role in the infield and outfield. That surplus led to trade talk about Hoerner, a two-and-a-half-time Glove Award winner, but also a free agent after 2026. If Hoerner was handled, Shaw could slide to second.
Hoerner was the Cubs’ first-round pick in 2018 and was traded for the first time the following year, when much of the last team’s core — the team with multiple playoff appearances and a World Series title in ’16 — was still in place. The second baseman then saw the team go through a short rebuilding period, followed by a climb back to the playoffs last season.
Over the years, Hoerner has said many times that he would like to be a part of a Cubs team that will get glory in the World Series again. He echoed that sentiment Friday night, especially considering the ballclub’s ambitions to build on its 92-game winning streak and a trip to the National League Division Series in ’25.
“I definitely want to be here this season and be a part of this team,” said Hoerner. “There’s been solid progress here. I think we all wish we could have started playing in the playoffs last year, but you still have to appreciate the progress and we’re in a position to take the next step.”
As for the trade rumors, Hoerner understands now that he’s part of the gig as a Major League player.
“It’s just part of being close to free agency and not having a trade clause, right?” Hoerner said. “I love playing for the Cubs. I think that was shown by the signing [an extension in ‘23] at the beginning, and hopefully it shows in the way I approach the game, and the gratitude for being here and playing in front of these fans.
“I’m very happy with this season and the lineup we’re going into this year, that’s what I’m focused on and things are going well from there.”
If the plan stays as it is currently set, then Shaw will be going all over the place.
On Saturday night, Shaw was at home when his wife saw a news bulletin and informed him of Bregman’s signing. The 24-year-old — a first-round pick in 2023 — wanted to know what his place on the field meant. He has since had discussions with manager Craig Counsell and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer about the situation.
“Of course, he looks like, ‘Man, where am I going to play?'” Shaw said Friday. “You get a little worried about those things. The team doesn’t know me enough yet to know that I just want to be ready when the season comes. So, I always have questions, like, ‘Am I going to go here? Am I going to go there?’
“And they didn’t hide anything from me, they just helped me understand the role — going to different positions, giving guys a day off here and there. And I’m happy about it. I’ve played a lot of outfield in my life, so I’m going to play the outfield. Maybe back to a few different positions in the infield. I’ll definitely look forward to that but it’s a unique thing I’ll look forward to.”
Meneleki revealed how Shaw became a third-place Glove finalist last season with little prior experience in that position. If so, the manager is confident that Shaw can run and be used in the outfield.
Counsel also didn’t view his list as a complete picture.
“I don’t think we have enough guys right now,” Counsell said. “If you think it’s too much, I don’t know what you’re looking at – really.”
