Cubs Opening Day 2021: Biggest surprise on roster so far

The Chicago Cubs have one glaring surprise on the roster as Opening Day approaches. 

The Chicago Cubs have a roster with a ton of questions in 2021. Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo are all in contract years without much clarity on what will happen following the season.

But there remains a different type of surprise on the Opening Day roster, and it involves a player that didn’t make the club. That would be top prospect Nico Hoerner, who was optioned to the minors in favor of David Bote starting at second base.

Is this based on talent or simply an act of service-time manipulation?

Cubs make interesting move to send Nico Hoerner to the minors

If the Cubs call Hoerner up in a few months, we know the answer to the above question. For now, the team is adamant Bote earned the job.

Hoerner was the team’s first-round pick in 2018 and appeared in 48 games with the Cubs last season. He played all over the infield and even got some time in the outfield as well.

One possibility is that the Cubs will place him at third base or shortstop in 2022 if Baez and Bryant are no longer around. That would be one scenario where service-time manipulation is not the main culprit for his demotion.

But let’s say they did want him at second. Putting Bote in front of him makes zero sense, and spring training stats are never a smart reason to make such a long-term decision. Bote, however, is currently in the midst of a five-year, $15 million extension.

Keeping Hoerner in the minors is a surprise in the sense he could actively help the team in 2021. But those paying close attention may not be surprised at all. He stands out as a future contributor at a time when the current core may all be gone following the season.

The Cubs are going to want to hold onto him for as long as possible.