Nico Hoerner Called “Perfect Transaction” For Seattle Mariners This Offseason

In the ever-evolving world of Major League Baseball, every offseason provides a new slate of opportunities and challenges for teams looking to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. One of the most intriguing potential transactions for the Seattle Mariners this offseason could be the acquisition of Nico Hoerner, the Chicago Cubs’ second baseman. According to ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan, Hoerner could be the “perfect transaction” for the Mariners, offering them exactly what they need: a controllable, affordable, and productive player who can contribute significantly to the team’s goals.

As it stands, the Mariners have several pressing needs this offseason, primarily centered around improving their offense. Despite making strides in recent years, the team’s lineup remains inconsistent, especially when it comes to generating impact offense without relying on strikeouts. Passan highlighted the Mariners’ necessity for batters who can make consistent contact, a rare and valuable trait in today’s game where high strikeout rates are common. Hoerner, with his ability to hit for contact, plays an important role in this vision.

What makes Hoerner so appealing to the Mariners is not just his skill set but the context in which they find themselves. The Mariners have limited financial flexibility this offseason, with an estimated $16 million to spend in free agency. With such a modest budget, finding the high-impact talent they need through free agency could be a challenging task, especially with the top-tier free agents likely out of their price range. As Passan noted, the Mariners’ creative approach to trades has been one of their strongest attributes under general manager Jerry Dipoto. If the Mariners cannot make a splash in free agency, looking to trade for a player like Hoerner could be the best option.

Nico Hoerner checks a number of important boxes for the Mariners. At just 27 years old, he is entering the prime of his career, making him an ideal target for a team like the Mariners, which is looking to build a sustained winner rather than a short-term fix. His age means that he still has several years of productive play ahead of him, and his contract situation further enhances his appeal. Hoerner is under team control for two more seasons, which provides the Mariners with both stability and flexibility. He is owed $11.5 million per season over the next two years, a manageable salary that fits well within the Mariners’ budgetary constraints. The prospect of adding a player of Hoerner’s caliber, especially with that kind of financial commitment, could be a major win for Seattle.

In addition to his age and affordability, Hoerner’s skill set makes him an excellent fit for the Mariners’ needs. Known for his stellar defense, Hoerner has earned Gold Glove consideration at second base, a position where the Mariners have been searching for consistent play. His defensive prowess would solidify an already strong Mariners infield, providing an upgrade that could help the team improve both in terms of run prevention and overall team defense. Given the Mariners’ emphasis on pitching and defense, a player like Hoerner would fit seamlessly into their overall team philosophy.

But it’s not just his defense that would make Hoerner a valuable addition to the Mariners’ roster. His offensive profile is also a significant asset. In 2024, Hoerner hit .280/.326/.396 with a modest but useful power output, along with 31 stolen bases. The Mariners have struggled with offensive consistency, particularly in terms of finding contact hitters who don’t strike out excessively. Hoerner’s strikeout rate in 2024 was a mere 10.3%, a figure that ranks among the best in the league. His ability to put the ball in play consistently would help stabilize the Mariners’ lineup, providing a steady presence at the top of the order or in a run-producing role.

Furthermore, Hoerner’s ability to steal bases adds another layer of versatility to his game. In an era where teams are increasingly valuing speed and base running, Hoerner’s 31 stolen bases in 2024 would give the Mariners an added dimension on the basepaths. While the Mariners have made strides in improving their offense, adding a player who can generate offense in different ways—by making contact, getting on base, and stealing bases—would be a welcome addition to their lineup.

However, it’s important to note that Hoerner is not without his risks. While his offensive consistency and defensive prowess make him an appealing target, Hoerner is currently recovering from flexor tendon surgery on his throwing elbow. The injury has raised some uncertainty about his ability to return to form in 2025, although it’s expected that he will be fully healthy for the start of the season. The timing of his recovery could be a factor that plays into the Cubs’ willingness to move him, as they may be more inclined to eat some of his contract in exchange for prospects if they are concerned about his injury.

The Mariners’ decision to pursue Hoerner also comes at a time when they are in need of a second baseman. With the Mariners declining the option on Jorge Polanco, they have an open spot at the position, which makes a move for Hoerner even more logical. While the team could explore internal options or other free-agent acquisitions, Hoerner’s combination of affordability, contract control, and proven ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a prime target.

Of course, acquiring Hoerner would not come without its costs. As Passan noted, if the Mariners are to pursue a trade for Hoerner, they would likely need to dip into their prospect capital. The Mariners have one of the deeper farm systems in baseball, with a wealth of talent at various levels, and trading some of their prospects for a player like Hoerner could be a reasonable trade-off. Hoerner would immediately upgrade the Mariners’ lineup and defense, potentially providing a significant boost to their chances of competing in the American League West. However, the team would have to weigh the value of parting with some of their young prospects in exchange for a player who, while talented, comes with some injury concerns.

Looking ahead to the Mariners’ offseason strategy, acquiring Nico Hoerner could be a savvy move to help address several of the team’s needs. With limited financial resources available in free agency, the Mariners could use a trade to acquire the impact player they need without overextending their budget. Hoerner’s skill set aligns well with the Mariners’ focus on defense, pitching, and contact hitting, and his age and affordability make him an appealing target for a team that is on the cusp of contention.

While the risk surrounding Hoerner’s injury history is something to consider, the potential reward of acquiring a player who can contribute in a variety of ways is significant. If the Cubs are willing to negotiate and potentially eat some of Hoerner’s contract, the Mariners could have an opportunity to secure a player who would immediately strengthen their roster and help them remain competitive in a tough American League. Whether or not the Mariners ultimately make a move for Hoerner will depend on their willingness to part with prospects and the Cubs’ asking price, but it’s clear that he could be the perfect fit for Seattle this offseason.