What would a dream Chicago Cubs starting lineup look like next season?

Chicago Cubs starting lineup: Nico Hoerner batting ninth, 2B

You were already prepared for this. With Trea Turner on the roster playing shortstop, Nico Hoerner moves over to second base. The Cubs can reassess things in the season. Maybe Hoerner and Turner switch spots. Maybe one even takes on third base. There’s a lot they can do.

Hoerner quietly had a very good season for the lackluster Northsiders in 2022. He slashed .281/.327/.410 while leading the team in WAR. He was worth 2 WAR on defense alone. The Cubs might have something pretty special with their 2018 first-round draft pick.

This dream Cubs lineup has Hoerner taking the last hacks. Think of it as a second leadoff hitter. He hasn’t done enough to move ahead of Turner or Nimmo at the top. Instead, Hoerner settles for the very last ups in the lineup.

He did steal 20 bases last year which adds some nice speed to the bottom. It’s actually pretty perfect in a lot of ways. By the time the middle of the order comes up, they might not have to do all that much other than hit a deep fly ball. Speed is one of those things we don’t see as much of in baseball these days. Hoerner has shown he has some.

Your dream Cubs lineup might include a few changes. But with some very good players coming back, a few reunions in free agency, plus some other big splashes, this is a team that can score from top to bottom and in a variety of ways.