Sep 28, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Christopher Morel (right) celebrates with shortstop Nico Hoerner (center) after their win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
In what was a lost year for the Chicago Cubs, Nico Hoerner broke out and was their best player. The Cubs should try and extend Hoerner and keep him alongside Dansby Swanson for the next seven years or more.
Yes, he’s under control through the 2026 season, but Nico Hoerner has proven he’s a core piece of the future for the Chicago Cubs. That future won’t be at shortstop as Dansby Swanson was brought in, but Hoerner at second base can be incredibly valuable as well. On a team without many long-term pieces, Hoerner is one worth keeping around.
By extending Hoerner, the Cubs might guarantee themselves the best middle infield defense in the game for the duration of Swanson’s contract. Both players are that good on that side of the ball.
Hoerner ranked in the 98th percentile in outs above average according to baseball savant, and Swanson was in the 100th percentile. Hoerner was an elite shortstop defensively and is just as good defensively at second base despite fewer appearances at that position. Hoerner has 10 DRS at second and 10 DRS at short.
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With the shift going away, infield defense is going to be as valuable as it’s been in recent years. Defenders will have more ground to cover, so having two of the best middle infielders in the game for a long time would be excellent.
Hoerner’s bat lags behind his glove but still was solid this past season. He slashed .281/.327/.410 with 10 home runs and 55 RBI. He stole 20 bases in 22 attempts and added 22 doubles as well. He had a 107 OPS+ which is slightly above average.
Hoerner won’t contribute much to the power department as he’s hit just 13 home runs in 247 career games, but he can hit at the top or bottom of the order and at the very least make contact. He ranked in the 97th percentile in whiff rate and the 98th percentile in K%.
Hoerner’s extension doesn’t have to be for very long either. Tack on three or four years to the three years of control and keep him paired with Swanson in the middle infield. They’d get good value considering he’s only played in one full MLB season and will get him locked up through his prime.