1 extension the Chicago Cubs should make soon and 1 they should avoid

1 extension the Chicago Cubs should make soon: second baseman Nico Hoerner

The top free-agent shortstops got paid this winter. Trea Turner signed a $300MM deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, Xander Bogaerts signed a $280MM deal with the San Diego Padres, Carlos Correa signed a $200MM with the Minnesota Twins, and Dansby Swanson signed a $177MM contract with the Cubs. If you are keeping a tally at home, that is nearly $1 billion spent on shortstops this winter and the asking prices of elite shortstops likely will be climbing in the seasons ahead.

The signing of Swanson has forced Nico Hoerner to second base but the 2022 season proved that Hoerner can play the shortstop position at a high level when healthy. Entering the 2023 season, Hoerner may be the best pure hitter in the Cubs' lineup while also being considered an instant Gold Glove candidate at the second base position. The newly implemented defensive shift restrictions for Major League Baseball have placed an added importance on the second base position and players such as Hoerner will see their value skyrocket.