Chicago Cubs: Three possibilities for Nico Hoerner in 2020

Chicago Cubs: Is putting this guy in Triple-A even fair?

While it may not be popular for most fans, there is every possibility that Hoerner starts the season in Triple-A getting regular at-bats, feeling and throwing more balls consistently, and biding his time. If the Cubs decide to go with a committee of guys at second base or acquire someone outside the organization, it might make it necessary to start Hoerner at Iowa because he won’t be getting regular at-bats in Chicago.

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While this would be seen to many as a disappointment, Hoerner will be back up in the bigs at some point in 2020, barring something catastrophic. As with all young prospects, you have to gauge how much they’ll be able to play. Where you’re at in terms of contention, how they’ll respond to that, as well as their production itself.

That being said, if Hoerner starts the season in Iowa, he will tear the cover off the ball there and be a beast on that Triple-A Cubs lineup. 0nce the season starts, it’s just a matter of time before an injury or poor play necessitates a move.

The other piece to consider is that the Cubs might want Hoerner to get reps playing different positions in an attempt to ready him for becoming David Ross‘s swiss-army knife.  If Hoerner can play center field in addition to anywhere on the infield, it gives Ross and the Cubs so many more options, especially considering how Hoerner puts the bat on the ball and the fact that he’s right-handed.