MLB Trade Rumors: Cubs, Mariners Deal with 2 Gold Glovers A "Very Real Possibility"

As we approach the baseball Winter Meetings next week, trade rumors will be flying around the majors, and one team that we need to keep a close eye on is the Chicago Cubs.

Insider Jon Morosi calls the Cubs "a really interesting candidate" for a trade. He says, in addition to the well-known Cody Bellinger availability, that second baseman Nico Hoerner, a Gold Glove winner in 2023, could be on the table in discussions with the Seattle Mariners.

"That Cubs/Mariners possibility is very real as we approach the Winter Meetings."

- @jonmorosi on some potential teams in the trade market to watch for over the next week pic.twitter.com/vx97uluvt3
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 6, 2024

Hoerner is an excellent fielder, and handles himself adequately at the plate, with OPS+ marks just over the 100 mark for the last several years. He is, however, coming off flexor tendon surgery, so teams will be keeping an eye on his recovery.

Both Hoerner and Bellinger, however, seem like great fits for the Mariners, who have needs at first base, second base, outfield and DH. Those two can cover any or all of those spots.

"Of course, the Mariners need offense. They need offense at corner spots, like first base or a corner outfield spot where Bellinger can play... and they also need some help at second base," says Morosi.

He adds that the Cubs would be interested in a return from Seattle centered around pitching, which is abundant in the M's organization.

"The Mariners have what everybody in the industry needs, which is elite high-level starting pitching," said Morosi, "including some of which is relatively controllable for the long-term like a Bryce Miller or a Bryan Woo.

"So again, that Cubs-Mariners possibility is very real as we approach the Winter Meetings."