Cubs’ surprise Silver Slugger finalist shows importance of getting a new deal done

Nico Hoerner was named a National League Silver Slugger finalist on Wednesday, and it was a reminder of an agenda item Jed Hoyer has for the Chicago Cubs this offseason. Hoerner is one of a handful of Cubs players who will be free agents after the 2026 season, and the Silver Slugger nomination is a reminder that his new deal should be a priority.

There was never a question of Hoerner's defense, as his move to second base has made him a perennial Gold Glove award candidate. The question was, with a limited power output, could the former first-round pick make a difference offensively?

The 2025 season proved that not only is there a place in the Cubs' starting lineup for Hoerner, but he may possess some of the best bat-to-ball skills in all of baseball. In 649 plate appearances this season, Hoerner slashed .297/.345/.394 with a wRC+ of 109. Hoerner only having 7 home runs is what capped his wRC+ potential last season, and likely is the reason why he won't win the Silver Slugger award.

Hoerner, Ian Happ, Jameson Taillon, and Seiya Suzuki are at the top of the list of Cubs players who will be free agents next offseason. Hoerner likely has the best chance of receiving an extension from the Cubs this offseason.

Nico Hoerner Silver Slugger nom sends clear message to Cubs' front office

Unlike his last extension, it feels like the Cubs will let Happ set his market before approaching him with a new contract. The same will likely be the case for Seiya Suzuki, who has struggled with consistency since signing with the Cubs before the 2022 season. Re-signing pitchers has never been a priority for Jed Hoyer, and Taillon will be turning 35 during the offseason he is a free agent, so there likely won't be a rush to sign him to a new deal.

That leaves Hoerner as the clear candidate for an extension this offseason. It shouldn't break the bank either, considering the lack of power will probably work against him during contract talks. While not an exact comparison, the contract Luis Arraez signs this offseason could be the floor of what Hoerner's next deal looks like.

Arraez is arguably the best contact hitter in baseball, but he doesn't possess the speed or defensive ability that Hoerner has. Ultimately, that is likely the reason why Hoerner can expect to get slightly more than the Padres' infielder.