Mariners Rumors: Seattle has interest in trade target that will be hard to get

Houston Astros v Chicago Cubs | Matt Dirksen/GettyImagesIt's been out there for a while now that the Seattle Mariners are interested in that one second baseman in the NL Central. And now, finally, comes confirmation that they're also interested in the better one.

In his latest on the Mariners and their offseason pursuits, Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reports that Seattle and Chicago Cubs had "exploratory talks" about Nico Hoerner last year. And even now, the Mariners remain interested in the two-time Gold Glover.

Mariners are interested in Nico Hoerner, but he could be beyond their price range

There's no need to sell us on Hoerner as a fit for the Mariners. He has the on-base acumen and…