Height
5'11"
Weight
200 lbs
Age
28
College
Stanford
Draft
2018, Rd 1, #24
Experience
7 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 715 | 0.2823219 | 36 | 285 | 0.72568315 | 136 | 749 |
Current Contract
Length
3 years
Total Value
$35.0M
Guaranteed
$21.0M
AAV
$11.7M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Cubs' decision to extend Nico Hoerner at $11.7M AAV through three years represents a classic case of paying for reliability over upside, earning a C- CVI that reflects both the security and limitations of this deal. Hoerner has established himself as a solid starter at second base with plus defense and competent offensive production, but this contract essentially pays him like an above-average regular when his ceiling appears more modest. At 27, he's entering his prime years, yet his career-best 2.1 WAR season in 2023 suggests he's more likely a 1.5-2.5 WAR player than someone who'll consistently exceed those expectations. The Cubs are betting on defensive excellence and contact skills aging well, but $35.1M total for a player whose offensive profile lacks impact power feels steep in today's market. While second base isn't exactly loaded with elite talent, this deal likely represents slight overpay for production that could be approximated through internal development or shorter-term free agent signings. Chicago essentially bought out Hoerner's arbitration years and first year of free agency, but the premium they paid suggests more optimism about his trajectory than his track record fully supports.
Fan & Media Sentiment
The Cubs' six-year, $141 million extension for Nico Hoerner has generated overwhelmingly positive media coverage, with outlets universally framing the deal as Chicago locking up a cornerstone piece for their competitive window. The enthusiasm stems from Hoerner's defensive excellence at second base, his steady offensive contributions, and the front office's clear signal that they view him as a franchise-caliber building block worth a significant long-term investment. However, this A+ sentiment grade appears somewhat inflated when measured against his B- performance grade — while Hoerner is certainly a solid starter with elite glove work, paying $23.5 million AAV for a player who profiles more as above-average than truly elite suggests the media narrative is running ahead of the on-field production. The absence of any negative coverage or trade speculation reflects both the timing of the extension and Hoerner's clean profile, but a prolonged offensive slump or defensive regression could quickly temper the current euphoria. For now, the Cubs have successfully controlled the narrative around this deal, positioning Hoerner as their chosen franchise cornerstone regardless of whether his actual performance fully justifies that billing.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 4/10 | vs PIT | L 0-2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Wed, 4/8 | @ TB | W 6-2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
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