3 Chicago Cubs position battles to watch in Spring Training

2. Second Base

While Nico Hoerner is undeniably the team's starting second baseman and has been for years, there are reservations about how long his arm injury will keep him sidelined in 2025. The speedy second baseman underwent flexor tendon surgery in October after a nagging forearm injury had apparently been bugging him throughout 2024. Although it didn't affect Hoerner's on-field production much, as he set career highs in games played (151) and doubles (35) with a respectable 3.7 bWAR, the reliable infielder likely won't be ready for the opening series in Tokyo.

If the Cubs sign Bregman, Shaw is a good bet to play second base to begin the season. But if Bregman goes elsewhere, Shaw will be needed more at third base. Brujan and Berti will again be in the mix for the second base job, but newly acquired Nicky Lopez could also vie for the job. The former White Sox infielder played 83 games at second last year and has six years of MLB experience between three different franchises. Since Lopez signed a minor league contract, and Hoerner will be back at some point in 2025, it could be a short-lived assignment if the 30-year-old wins the job.

Additionally, the Cubs could trade Hoerner as rumors have been suggesting all offseason. This scenario would become much more possible if Bregman came to Chicago, although it is still probably not likely. Hoerner has been one of the Cubs' most reliable players for three straight seasons, providing plus speed, contact-hitting, and gold glove defense. In any case, the second base situation will be one to keep an eye on heading into February and March.