Cubs Extend Nico Hoerner’s Contract
The Chicago Cubs and infielder Nico Hoerner reached agreement on a six-year extension, sources say. Michael Cerami of Filmogaz.com and Jesse Rogers of ESPN reported the deal.
Contract overview
The new pact runs six years. Financial details have not been disclosed. Hoerner was headed for free agency after this season, with 2026 listed as the last year of his prior extension.
Why the Cubs locked him up
Cubs Extend Nico Hoerner’s Contract reflects the team’s faith in his all-around play. He provides steady offense, elite defense and aggressive baserunning.
Offensive profile
Since 2022, Hoerner has totaled nearly 2,500 plate appearances. He posts a .284/.339/.389 slash line and a 105 wRC+ over that span.
He walks 6.4 percent of the time and strikes out 10.2 percent. Both rates sit well below league averages. Power is limited, with 33 homers in that period.
Speed and baserunning
Hoerner has stolen 123 bases across the past four seasons. He reached at least 20 steals in each year of that stretch.
Defense and overall value
Originally a shortstop, Hoerner shifted to second base in 2023 due to Dansby Swanson’s presence. He has become one of the game’s top defensive second basemen.
From the start of 2023, he has accumulated 32 Defensive Runs Saved and 35 Outs Above Average. Only a few players, including Andrés Giménez, Brice Turang and Marcus Semien, posted higher marks.
FanGraphs credits him with roughly four wins above replacement per season. His total since 2022 stands at 17.4 fWAR, with no season below 3.8 fWAR.
Next steps
Financial terms should be released in the coming days. The club and player will likely provide formal statements soon. More details will follow as they emerge.
