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3 Chicago Cubs who will benefit the most from MLB rule changes - Nico Hoerner
Rule changes that will help:
- Banned Shift
- Bigger bases
Nico Hoerner tops this list due to the same reason as Hosmer. His ability to spray the ball all over the field will see his average increase even higher than the .281 he recorded in 2022. Last season, Hoerner pulled the ball 36.4%, went to center field 33.8%, and went to the opposite field 29.8%. Given that only two defenders can line up on either side of second base, Hoerner's professional ability to aim for his spot will be tremendous for his production.
On top of hitting for a higher average, bigger bases will benefit Hoerner as they will for DeLuzio. In 2022, Hoerner swiped 20 bags, and I expect him to be now as or even more aggressive than last season. Hoerner's elite defense already offers him a solid floor value-wise, so his high-contact bat will only raise that floor higher. He is a prime candidate to earn the lead-off role in 2023.