IMAGE: Chicago Cubs second base Nico Hoerner (2) high fives manager Craig Counsell (11) after he scores against the New York Mets during the third inning at Wrigley Field. / Matt Marton / Imagn Images
The Detroit Tigers have made one thing clear this offseason: they weren’t going to be players in the Alex Bregman sweepstakes. So when the All-Star third baseman inked a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs – a contract that includes a hefty chunk of deferred money – it came as no surprise that Detroit’s front office, led by Scott Harris, wasn’t in the mix.
But Bregman’s arrival in Chicago has created some ripple effects that could eventually reach Detroit, especially when it comes to the Cubs’ infield depth and how they might look to reshape their roster – potentially through the trade market.
A Crowded Infield in Chicago
Let’s start with the obvious: Bregman slots in as the Cubs’ everyday third baseman. That move bumps Matt Shaw, who opened the 2025 season at the hot corner, into a utility role.
Shaw’s rookie campaign was uneven – flashes of promise, but also enough inconsistency to warrant a demotion to Triple-A during the year. That kind of volatility is what drove the Cubs to seek a more stable solution at third, and Bregman certainly fits the bill.
Then there’s Nico Hoerner, the Cubs’ Gold Glove-caliber second baseman who’s also capable of handling shortstop. He’s entering the final year of his contract at $12 million, and with the Cubs now brushing up against the first tier of the Competitive Balance Tax threshold, there’s been chatter that they might consider moving Hoerner to create some payroll flexibility.
From a pure baseball perspective, Hoerner would be a strong fit in Detroit. He brings elite defense, contact hitting, and positional versatility – all traits the Tigers could use in the middle infield.
But the positional fit isn’t seamless. Hoerner hasn’t played third base with any regularity since reaching the majors, and the Tigers already have options at second in Zach McKinstry and Gleyber Torres.
While Hoerner would likely represent an upgrade, acquiring him wouldn’t come cheap.
The Tarik Skubal Factor
If the Cubs were to seriously entertain moving Hoerner, it would likely take a significant return – and that’s where Tarik Skubal’s name enters the conversation. The left-hander is one of the most valuable arms in baseball right now, and while there’s no indication Detroit is looking to move him, the fact that he’d even be mentioned in connection to a potential Hoerner deal shows just how high the Cubs’ asking price would be.
Let’s be clear: a Skubal-for-Hoerner swap doesn’t make sense for Detroit. Hoerner is a solid player, but Skubal is a frontline starter under team control – the kind of pitcher you build around, not one you dangle for a middle infielder with one year left on his deal.
What About Matt Shaw?
Now, if the Tigers are still in the market for a third baseman, Shaw’s name might seem like a more attainable option. The Cubs likely wouldn’t demand the moon for him, and they’d probably be open to talks if Detroit was willing to part with some top-end minor league talent.
But that’s a move the Tigers should be wary of.
Shaw, while talented, hasn’t proven he’s a long-term solution at third base, and Detroit already has Colt Keith – a promising young infielder who’s signed to a team-friendly extension – ready to take the reins. Betting on Shaw to outperform Keith or to suddenly develop into a cornerstone player feels like a gamble without much upside. Add in some reported off-field concerns, and the risk becomes even harder to justify.
The Bottom Line
The Cubs’ signing of Bregman has reshaped their infield and opened the door to some intriguing trade possibilities. But for the Tigers, this isn’t the time to get lured into a deal that doesn’t align with their long-term vision.
Hoerner would be a great get – but not at the cost of a pitcher like Skubal. And Shaw?
He’s not the answer Detroit needs at third, especially when they already have a homegrown option in Keith who’s ready for a bigger role.
If the Tigers are still exploring infield upgrades, they’d be wise to look beyond Chicago. The Cubs might be open for business, but not every offer is worth entertaining.
