Chicago Cubs: Three possibilities for Nico Hoerner in 2020

With Chicago Cubs Nico Hoerner’s necessary premature call-up in late 2019, the Cubs accelerated the clock on their top prospect and now head into 2020 with several questions to answer regarding their young infielder.

The Chicago Cubs Nico Hoerner belongs in the major leagues on Opening Day in 2020. Whether that will happen or not is anyone’s guess, but it’s what would be best for everyone concerned- player and team. Concerning Hoerner, there are three distinct possibilities for the prized 22-year-old infielder that make sense at this point in the offseason.

Hoerner, the 24th overall and first pick from the 2018 draft to get to the majors, showed in his brief time with the big league club that he could provide many of the pieces they’ve been looking for of late. Contact on offense, solid defense at several positions, and a cheap and extremely team-friendly deal.

Hoerner played in 20 games for the big league club in 2019, scored 13 runs, drove in another 17, and posted a .282 average in September. He displayed a solid glove and arm, and significant contact skills at the plate to go with some power that many expect Hoerner to grow into as he gets older. Regardless, doubles are a great thing too, and Hoerner has already shown that the deserves to be in the bigs smacking balls in the gap and flashing the leather around.

Chicago Cubs: Will Nico and Javy be a thing this year?

The most apparent plan involving Hoerner at this moment is to start him as the Cubs Opening Day second baseman. Given his success and the way he handled himself while up for his 20 games in September, there’s no doubt Hoerner could handle the pressure that would come with starting the season as the starter at second base.

With any luck, the Addison Russell saga will be done with at some point this season, leaving Hoerner as the only real option to man second base as of right now. Sure, David Bote could start a few games there, but he’s a nice guy to be able to use off the bench or in times of injury at several different spots, if necessary. Hoerner is a certifiable middle infielder, who has displayed the ability to play both second base and shortstop. While he doesn’t have the same kind of bazooka that Javier Baez uses on a regular basis, neither does anyone else in the league quite frankly.

Robel Garcia could have been used and may get another shot at some at-bats, but I don’t think he’s ready for the big lights given his uneven 2019. Barring the addition of someone like Howie Kendrick (who isn’t that great a defender at this point), or re-signing a Ben Zobrist (who wouldn’t play every day anyway), the second base spot should be Hoerner’s by default. It’s a long offseason, but this is the option I’d choose if everything else were equal.

Pairing Hoerner with Baez could make their infield defense similar to what we saw in 2016, and that’s not even discussing his offensive ability. Hoerner’s highly touted contact rate and strength are exactly what the Cubs need in 2020, and it’s also precisely what they’ve come out and said is their priority. Why get rid of a guy who can fill one of your open spots and do on offense what you want him to do eventually?

Chicago Cubs: Could this be the last time you see Hoerner in Cubbie blue?

While it’s always nice to grow your guys and have them succeed, one of the great things about the draft is that other guys often covet what you now have. If another team values Hoerner as full of upside and is willing to overpay for him, you can be sure that the Cubs will look into it at the least.

A package of Hoerner with lesser-known and lesser-talented prospects makes him the centerpiece of the deal, something the first guy in his draft class to reach the majors deserves whole-heartedly. Heck, Hoerner could even have more upside than someone like Ian Happ or even Kyle Schwarber because of his ability to play solid infield defense. Teams are always looking for a guy who plays excellent defense and can give you just a little bit on offense.

Other teams are also always looking for young kids with lots of team control at hand, as well as cheap pre-arbitration players. If the Whit Merrifield rumors are true once again, it stands to reason that Hoerner could be one of the players involved, and maybe not even the most prominent.

Even if the front office doesn’t want to part with a guy who looks like he could be a reliable or even possibly high all-around player going forward if the return is someone they know can play right now, the trigger might well be pulled during the winter.

My gut is telling me that it would be stupid to move Hoerner at this point, given the fact we’ve already seen him succeed with some measure of success at the big league level in limited play. By trading him away or keeping him at Triple-A to start the season, the Cubs could be doing themselves a disservice. Regardless, I’m sure I speak for most fans when I say, “I don’t really who gets signed or traded as long as the Cubs are contenting.