Mariners likely lost out on infield trade target after Cubs' Kyle Tucker blockbuster

The Chicago Cubs, unlike the Seattle Mariners, have been keeping the hot stove lit almost singlehandedly. Their only free agent signings have been starting pitcher Matt Boyd and catcher Carson Kelly, but they've been a part of two of the biggest trades this offseason.

After acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Astros, they also sent Cody Bellinger to the Yankees, completely reshaping their outfield. It's all great news for Cubs fans who have been waiting for a return to contention following their 2016 World Series run, but it may be disappointing to Mariners fans.

With so many pieces already moved, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote that a potential deal between Seattle and Chicago involving Nico Hoerner is now likely off the table. The Cubs were looking to trade away a second or third baseman to clear a roster spot for Matt Shaw, the team's No. 1 prospect (and No. 22 prospect in baseball). However, since Isaac Paredes was sent to Houston in exchange for Tucker, they now have a clear path to the big leagues for their prized prospect. Furthermore, the Cubs' top priority this offseason was to acquire another backstop, and with Carson Kelly signed to a two-year deal he has likely been deemed "good enough" for the organization.

The Mariners could still make an offer that includes one of their prized starting pitchers, but the Cubs have a pretty solid rotation themselves. They may look for a depth arm to lengthen the back end, but that wouldn't bring in nearly enough value to offset the loss of one of their most valuable position players.

Thus, it seems Seattle will have to look elsewhere to plug the gaps. There have been reports of the Padres hearing offers on one of their infielders, but it will be difficult to find a target as alluring as Hoerner. On the bright side, the team still has Dylan Moore who is currently projected to start at third base, but if the persisting trade rumors surrounding Alec Bohm turn into reality, Moore could be a serviceable starter at second instead.

He struggled immensely to hit at home and posted a .503 OPS over 197 plate appearances at T-Mobile Park, but he had an incredible .840 OPS over 244 plate appearances in other ballparks. He wouldn't be the only hitter to see reduced numbers in one of the most pitcher-friendly places in MLB, but making the necessary adjustments to fix his approach at home could turn him into one of the best hitters in the lineup.

So while the Hoerner news is disappointing, there's still plenty of offseason left for the Mariners to make their first big move.