Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. lesson gives Cubs another reason to appreciate Nico Hoerner

The Chicago Cubs have second baseman Nico Hoerner locked up on a six-year, $141 million contract extension that they signed him to back in March. As a result, they have their second baseman of the present and future, and have no need to search elsewhere to fill the position.

This is good news given the Cubs won't have to make the mistake of signing Jazz Chisholm Jr., who will be a free agent this offseason. Following a 30-30 campaign in 2025, Chisholm had an underwhelming year for the New York Yankees this past season. In 532 plate appearances, Chisholm slashed .231/.312/.399 with 19 home runs and 41 stolen bases. The potential is certainly there, but signing Chisholm would be a risk after the season he just had in the Bronx. Luckily, the Cubs don't have to worry about that due to the presence of Hoerner.

Why Jazz Chisholm gives the Cubs another reason to appreciate Nico Hoerner

The Yankees acquired Chisholm from the Miami Marlins at the 2024 trade deadline and he helped them reach the World Series that year. He followed that up with a strong first full season in pinstripes the next season. But there was clearly a breakup between the Yankees and Chisholm in 2026, and he found himself benched against a righty in Game 3 of the ALDS in favor of Anthony Volpe. The Yankees were ultimately swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in three games.

It's abundantly clear that Chisholm will not be back with the Yankees in 2027. The Cubs should appreciate Hoerner even more based on the steadiness he brings to the club. While Hoerner didn't have his best season in 2026 after a slow start, he was still a 2.1 bWAR player as opposed to Chisholm's 1.7 bWAR. Chisholm's best season in 2025 was only good for 4.1 bWAR.

Hoerner had a monstrous 2025 campaign, where he slashed .297/.345/.394 with a .745 OPS, seven homers, 61 RBI, 29 stolen bases and a 6.2 bWAR. He also posted a 5.5 bWAR back in 2023. These stellar seasons resulted in the Cubs dishing out a long-term extension to the 29-year-old Hoerner prior to this past season.

Hoerner gives the Cubs stability at the second base position that the Yankees didn't have with Chisholm. Chisholm also made a key throwing error while trying to turn a double play in Game 2 of the ALDS, and then doubled down by saying he would make the same play again. Chisholm had 15 Outs Above Average (third-best in MLB) in 2026, as opposed to Hoerner's nine OAA (seventh-best).

However, Chisholm is known for making blunders on certain occasions and then not taking accountability for them like in the postseason. The Cubs should feel fortunate that they have Hoerner after the lesson that the Yankees recently learned with Chisholm.

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