MOM, THAT NICO HOERNER RUMOR'S SWIRLING AGAIN...

Spring training just started, and guess what? We’re already talking about Nico Hoerner again. That didn’t take long—blink, and boom, there he is.

MLB analyst Robbie Hyde has cooked up a trade idea that might make Yankees and Cubs fans either cheer or throw their coffee. His plan? A straight-up swap: Hoerner to the Yankees, Clarke Schmidt to Chicago.

“This would be an everyday option to plug in there,” Hyde said, making it sound like Hoerner is a universal phone charger. “He’s a high-contact hitter … You could put him at second base and move Jazz Chisholm back to third. Whatever the case, I think he’d be a fantastic addition for the Yankees.”

Hoerner, fresh off winning a Gold Glove in 2023, put up solid numbers last season: a .708 OPS, seven homers, 35 doubles and 31 stolen bases—basically, the baseball equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. He’s also set to make $11.5 million in 2025 as part of his three-year, $35 million deal.

Honestly, the trade makes sense. Will it happen? Who knows. But at least it gives us something to argue about until the regular season starts.

NICO HOERNER IS STILL BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE YANKEE INFIELD

Picture this: the Yankees' second base dilemma finally solved by none other than Nico Hoerner, a defensive wizard with the speed to match. Hoerner's got the chops to bring some much-needed stability to a position that’s been up in the air since Gleyber Torres packed his bags. This guy isn’t just a one-trick pony—he’s got a well-rounded game that’s bound to make any team happy.

Let’s talk stats. In 2024, Hoerner was a busy bee, clocking in 151 games with a respectable .273 batting average. He didn’t exactly light up the home run charts with seven dingers, but his 48 RBIs and a slick 31 stolen bases show he knows how to make things happen on the field. At 27, he’s still got plenty of mileage left, and with two years of team control plus an $11.67 million salary, he’s a pretty sweet deal for any team looking to win now.

So, what’s the catch? A potential trade scenario, cooked up by the ever-sharp minds over at Empire Sports Media, suggests the Yankees could part with prospects Will Warren, Jake Cousins, and Carlos Lagrange to bring Hoerner to the Bronx.

Will Warren, at 25, made his MLB debut in 2024. Sure, his 10.32 ERA over 22.2 innings might make you wince, but those strikeout numbers hint at some untapped potential. He’s a work-in-progress back-end starter, but hey, the Cubs could use some depth, right?

Then there’s Jake Cousins, a 30-year-old reliever who was lights out in 2024, posting a slick 2.37 ERA across 38 innings. He’s the kind of steady arm that any bullpen would love to have on standby.

And yeah, we get it—there’s no shortage of infield names being tossed around for the Yankees. Nico’s name has popped up before, and if you want the deep dive, you can check out BYB's article, COULD THE YANKEES BE IN THE MIX FOR THE CUBS' NICO HOERNER?

Trust us, it’s worth the read.

So, is Nico Hoerner the solution to the Yankees' second base conundrum? Stay tuned, because this could be the move that shakes things up in the Bronx!

THAT NICO HOERNER RUMOR IS BUBBLING

Here’s the latest juicy rumor from the Bronx soap opera: Gleyber Torres won't be asked back by the Yankees and perhaps allowing them to find an "upgrade"  Top prospect Caleb Durbin is coming, but in the meantime, trade whispers about Nico Hoerner are in the cold Bronx air... or something like that. But before we start planning the Gleyber farewell tour, can we pause and ask—are these rumors even legit anymore, or are we just bored?

Look, I get it—Gleyber can be maddening. And I'm gonna say it, I do not want Gleyber to leave. But yes, one day he’s hitting bombs, the next he’s forgetting how to run the bases. It’s a ride, for sure. But hear me out: Gleyber is still the guy the Yankees should keep in my opinion. Yes, he has his flaws, but so does your favorite coffee order, and you’re not replacing that. Think about it.

Now, let’s dissect the alternatives. Caleb Durbin? Love the kid’s energy, love the speed, love the glove. But trusting an untested rookie with second base during a season with World Series expectations feels like walking a tightrope in flip-flops. Bold move.  Truth be told, I don't see the Yankees doing this. Reports are he's 2 years away... so he's out for now I suppose.

And then there’s Nico Hoerner, the flavor of the week, or should I say the hour. Solid player—gets on base, runs like the wind, and has a nifty glove. But let’s be honest: Nico’s not exactly setting the world on fire with his pop. He’s like a really nice Toyota Camry—reliable, but no one’s plastering his face on a billboard. And while he could be the bridge to Durbin, I’ve got news for you: Gleyber could have been that bridge too before Jack Curry burst my bubble (technically the Yankees did not wanting to bring him back). In my opinion Torres is proven, he’s got power when you need it, and he’s already here, just make a new deal with Mr. Torres already!

Every winter, it’s like we’re auditioning for Second Baseman Idol when it comes to the Yankees, but this year it's real. Gleyber won't be back, so the Yankees need a new second baseman. But I still like Torres. I know... this opinion is unpopular. What, you don't like it? Write your own blog then!

COULD THE YANKEES BE IN THE MIX FOR THE CUBS' NICO HOERNER?

 To be honest, if Jon Morosi is claiming there's a connection, I doubt it... but humor me.

This story comes from him, and while there is always a connection between any player in the MLB and the Yankees at any time, one thing Bleeding Yankee Blue will always do is at least share what's out there, but we're very skeptical about everything.  It's like meeting a new person in my life... I go in not believing much of anything they say.... they gotta earn my trust.  It's backwards, but let's be honest... everyone walks around these days trying to top everyone else, and if they need to throw around a rumor or story that makes them feel like a big man just to get some notoriety of "likes"... they'll do it, cause everyone's a sellout.  Wow... I guess that's another bag of issues about me I need to express to my shrink next week. Anyway... this is what Morosi says this, reported by The Sporting News:

"Jon Morosi of MLB Network named the Yankees as a landing spot for Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner — along with former Yankees outfielder Mike Tauchman.

Hoerner, a 2023 Gold Glove winner, has a .257 batting average with four home runs, 30 RBI and a .686 OPS. He's fared better as of late with a 120 OPS+ over his last 11 games.

He's an elite contact hitter but doesn't provide much juice in terms of barrels and extra-base hits.

Hoerner might not make the offense completely better, but he does have a .730 OPS from the leadoff spot this season. That's a spot in the order the Yankees desperately need an upgrade.

Bringing on Hoerner would likely mean kicking Torres to the bench..."

The Cubs are another potential Yankees trade partner. Nico Hoerner and Mike Tauchman lead the Cubs in starts at the leadoff spot. Either would upgrade the Yankees' lineup. Tauchman played for NYY in '19, '20 and '21.

CHC & NYY have been regular trade partners: Effross '22,… https://t.co/2YupckWg0l

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 25, 2024

Again, I don't believe much of this. Remember Morosi doesn't get it right much. I wrote ADD MOROSI TO THE "BASEBALL NON-INSIDER" LIST back in December. That opinion has not changed. I do however love the trade deadline season and love to see the names thrown around.

Carry on.