Chicago Cubs: Five bold predictions for the 2019 season

Chicago Cubs: Nico Hoerner receives the call

We have now entered into borderline crazy territory here, people! All joking aside, a third genuine prediction is about Nico Hoerner and how the Cubs will bring him to the Show at some point this season.

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Hoerner, as fans are well aware, heard his name called last June as the teams first round selection in the MLB Amateur player draft. Now, he has begun to show fans all about what his game, and subsequently, his natural ability on a baseball diamond is all about and why it led to his first-round selection.

Entering the new campaign, Hoerner is slated to turn 22 years old in May. In a matter of a single season last year, Hoerner began in Rookie ball and worked up to Class-A South Bend and dominating along the way. In four games, 17 plate appearances, for Hoerner at South Bend, the former Stanford standout slashed a ridiculous .400/.471/.667 with a .508 wOBA and 222 wRC+.

These numbers are unsustainable over the long haul; however, what Hoerner has been able to display realistically is just how great he is at baseball. Hoerner is not going to make the Opening Day roster, yet he is turning heads left and right in camp and the brass has taken notice.

As the team will more than likely be well in contention in August or September, promoting Hoerner would be a great move for his confidence. The situation with Addison Russell opens up the opportunity for Hoerner to grab shortstop by the horns. It should be a fun transition for the young kid, no doubt.