Nico Hoerner Remains Unsung Hero of Surging Cubs Team
Nico Hoerner was an interesting trade candidate this past winter, especially with Alex Bregman emerging as a possible signing before he opted to join the Red Sox. Hoerner has established himself as a consistent all-around player, posting at least 4.0 fWAR in each of the last three seasons with a mix of contact, speed, and defense. He is on his way to that mark once again, as long as he can stay healthy.
Hoerner’s lack of power can be frustrating at times, but his ability to deliver in clutch situations has saved the Cubs on several occasions. The second baseman has a .368 average with a 177 wRC+ and 1.014 OPS in high-leverage plate appearances. He has a .424 average with runners in scoring position, good for fourth in the majors, making him an ideal hitter in the bottom half of the order.
Craig Counsell has most frequently placed Hoerner sixth in the lineup, increasing the odds that men are on base ahead of him. He’s the perfect option to have after players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Carson Kelly, both of whom have been fantastic at reaching base to begin the season.
Even when he’s not driving in runners, Hoener rarely strikes out and is sure to offer a quality plate appearance. His 7.7% strikeout rate is nearly three points better than he’s ever posted (10.3% last season), and trails only Luis Arraez (2.3%) and Jacob Wilson (6.1%) for best in MLB among qualified hitters. Hoerner’s 11.0% whiff rate is in the 98th percentile, which is the same as his 37.6% squared-up rate.
His defense remains outstanding, as he leads all second basemen and ranks sixth overall with eight defensive runs saved. His six outs above average likewise top the list of his immediate peers and put him 10th in MLB.
Not on Nico's watch. pic.twitter.com/12wL5NbSDb
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 21, 2025
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and Kyle Tucker have been receiving most of the attention this year, and rightfully so. But the best part about this Cubs team is that everyone in the batting order is contributing in some way. Hoerner continues to be one of the most underrated players in baseball and will likely receive consideration for an All-Star spot in Atlanta once July rolls around.
