Chicago Cubs: The final countdown to the top organizational prospects

Chicago Cubs: Nico Hoerner, SS

Not knowing why I feel like Nico Hoerner could be that guy a few years down the line who fans are yelling at, “You were the chosen one.” Moving on from the cheesy Obi-Wan Kenobi quote from Start Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Hoerner is a guy who at that time could already be a star.

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The team’s first-round pick in the 2018 Amateur Draft, Hoerner, made a mockery of both the Low-A and Class-A leagues before moving to Double-A in 2019. Last season at South Bend, for example, Hoerner slashed a whopping .400/.471/.667 with a .508 wOBA and 222 wRC+ over 17 plate appearances.

In 70 games this season at Tennessee, Hoerner slashed .284/.344/.399 with a .342 wOBA and 117 wRC+. Only 22 years old, the Cubs decided to bring him past Triple-A Iowa and into the bigs where he became a quick fan favorite. In his first week in Chicago, Hoerner posted a .443 wOBA, 177 wRC+, and slashed .379/.438/.655 with a 1.093 OPS.

By the end of his 20 game span, Hoerner carried a respected .282/.305/.436 line with only a 13.4 percent strikeout rate. Impactful, to say the least. Next season Hoerner should be back with the big league club, preferably at the end of April.

Part of the middle infield situation is dicey at best, and Hoerner would give the Cubs much-needed stability. Of all the prospects in the system, Hoerner is set up to make the most impact next year. Let’s hope he can continue building on a strong future in the Windy City.