Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and more: 3 takeaways from Chicago Cubs spring training
By Kevin Henry
Mesa, Ariz. — When Dansby Swanson signed with the Chicago Cubs this offseason, life became a lot more in focus for Nico Hoerner.
After serving as the primary shortstop for the Chicago Cubs last season, Swanson’s contract signaled not only a shift in position for the 25-year-old Hoerner, but also a new infield partner.
Both aspects brought stability into the 2023 season and a fresh outlook for Hoerner as he looks to build on a season where he led the team in bWAR (4.5) while slashing .281/.327/.410 with 10 homers, 55 RBI, and 20 stolen bases.
“I knew whenever that happened the position I’d be playing and be able to prepare from there, which was nice,” Hoerner said on Wednesday after going 1-for-3 from the leadoff spot against Oakland.
Chicago Cubs spring training: Nico Hoerner-Dansby Swanson chemistry still coming together
The chemistry between Hoerner and Swanson up the middle will still take a little time, but the duo are being paired by Cubs manager David Ross whenever possible in order for them to get their reps in game situations and get used to each other.
“It’s one thing to practice, but Major League Baseball at full speed in a stadium and in moments that matter, that’s a whole other thing,” Hoerner said. “I don’t think there’s any expectation that we’re going to be at our best right now, but I think it will be continually growing. A lot of that stuff ends up being subconscious and pretty smooth, which makes the game easier.”
Now in his fourth season as a member of the Cubs, Hoerner said he’s excited about the change of faces on this year’s roster, including Swanson, Cody Bellinger, Eric Hosmer, Jameson Taillon, and others.
“The people who were brought in are very professional,” Hoerner said. “I think it’s very nice to have a whole group of guys with long Major League experience who have been to All-Star Games and also really struggled and also won World Series, just every twist and turn of the game. Not much is going to shake people like that.”