While the MLB hot stove has been relatively quiet over the holidays, it has already started picking up steam in the new year. This began when Tatsuya Imai sign

The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported this week that the Cubs are taking trade calls on second baseman Nico Hoerner. A trade was previously suggested by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, so it's not out of the blue.

The Cubs have checked in on free agent Bo Bichette, with Nico Hoerner trade chatter and 2026 infield contingency plans in play.

The Chicago Cubs are in prime position to land one of baseball's elite free agents ahead of his posting deadline.

"If the Cubs are fielding calls on Nico Hoerner, he instantly becomes the absolute best target for the Royals in the trade market," Farr wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Enters final year of his deal in 2026, much like (Kris) Bubic. Thing that’s a better match than Boston or St. Louis."

The Cubs have added a veteran reliever with a 3.11 ERA, signing him to a one-year, $7.5 million deal to improve their bullpen.

The Boston Red Sox should be able to win the bidding war for Alex Bregman over the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers.

That urgency makes sense because the Cubs are staring at an obvious lineup problem. Kyle Tucker has hit free agency, and replacing that production is not a small task. If Chicago is going to stay in the NL Central race, it needs a real middle-of-the-order answer, not just depth and vibes. (Sorry. I said it so you don’t have to.)