MLB Rumors: Cristian Pache suitors, Nico Hoerner contract, more on Anthony Volpe
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Cubs sign Nico Hoerner to contract extension
The Cubs signed Nico Hoerner to a contract extension on Monday night, making him just the second homegrown player to receive such a deal since David Bote in 2019. Hoerner is one of the cornerstones of the Chicago infield, and received a contract that takes him one year beyond his arbitration seasons.
The deal is for three years and $35 million, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. It was Hoerner’s growth in the 2022 season, in which he was forced to play out of position at shortstop and slashed .281/.327/.410 with a career-high 4 WAR, that convinced the Cubs an extension was in order.
Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins hope that the next great Cubs team is within sight, or else their tenure will be short-lived. Chicago fans are growing impatient after the front office parted ways with the majority if not all of the Cubs 2016 World Series team. Those players are now succeeding elsewhere, rather than Wrigley Field.
The Cubs are not far from contention, it would seem. They’ve added significantly in free agency the last two offseasons, including signing the likes of Marcus Stroman and Dansby Swanson, among others. Prospects Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kevin Alcántara are nearing the majors, as well.