The Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner just may be the “I get no respect” Rodney Dangerfield of the team.
Since the 27-year-old became a full-time starter in 2022, he’s consistently been one of the better contact hitters in the league. His batting average has hovered around the .280 mark in each of those seasons, with an on base percentage around .330. He’s also played a very steady second base, winning a Gold Glove for his efforts in 2023. He’s also a pretty solid shortstop if needed and can play some third base and outfield in a pinch.
Nico Hoerner Gets No Respect
Yet, fans and media have seemingly been itching to trade the guy all throughout this offseason. And, apparently, the Cubs front office has been shopping him around.
Earlier in the offseason, rumors abounded about Hoerner being packaged along with a prospect or two in a deal for a Seattle Mariners starting pitcher.
That deal never went through, but the trade talk persisted. Way too many people seemed comfortable with a rookie or a hired-hand free agent getting that second base gig over the guy who’s had that position on lock down since he won it.
Recognition For Nico
Well, the folks at Cubbies Crib, ARE giving Hoerner his due. In their NL Central position-by-position rankings for 2025, they’ve ranked him no. 1 among second basemen.
Per Pat Manser of Cubbies Crib:
“Is it fair to say that Nico Hoerner has become significantly undervalued among Cubs fans this offseason? Second basemen that average 4.0 WAR over a three-year period don’t grow on trees, and Hoerner was also suffering through an undisclosed injury last year…
The Stanford standout’s contact skills are the best of any Cub I can recall: his Whiff and K% have been between the 95th and 99th percentile over the past few years (both 99th in 2024). His hand injury most likely sapped some of his power, leading to the lower slugging percentage. It probably figured in his career-worst (but still very good) fielding metrics.”
Hoerner, who underwent flexor tendon surgery on his right forearm this past October, will likely miss some of the beginning of the 2025 campaign, but he’s expected to make a full recovery.
Chicago Cubs Will Feel Hoerner’s Absence
In the meantime, Vidal Brujan or Miles Mastrobuoni may see the majority of the starting time at second base. The difference between what Hoerner brings to the table and what the Cubs have in reserve will be clearly evident.
Michael Busch, the team’s starting first baseman (and one not likely to be moved from that spot), can also play second baseman. Bat-first top prospects Matt Shaw and James Triantos can also play second, although Shaw may get first dibs on the empty third base slot. Triple-A players Luis Vazquez and Gage Workman can also play some second.
But none of the above will give the Cubs what the steady presence of Hoerner gives them.
With two more full years of team control before being eligible for free agency, the Cubs have a plug-and-play near all-star-level player in Hoerner who they can pencil into the lineup every day and not worry about inconsistent performance.
The team would be wise to let second base be for a while and focus on filling other holes on the team.
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