aepps20
Supporter
- Feb 8, 2004
- 42,595
- 90,923
Another season with you guys. Can't wait!
Official 2023 Chicago Cubs Season Thread Vol: (17-17)
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by CP1708,
- Start date
Second baseman Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a three-year, $35 million contract extension, sources told ESPN, locking up the team's most productive player last season for an extra season before he was due to hit free agency.
Hoerner still will reach the open market after the 2026 season at 29 years old, and the ability to do so led to a shorter-term deal. With Hoerner making $2.5 million this season, his first year of arbitration, the deal will price the second and third arbitration years at around $15 million while giving him around $20 million for his first free agent year.
Hoerner's growth in 2022 -- when he played shortstop and hit .281/.327/.410 with a career-high 10 home runs and more than 4 wins above replacement -- prompted the Cubs to seek a longer-term deal, even after signing Dansby Swanson to play shortstop. If Hoerner's past play at second base is any indication, his pivot back to the position should be seamless. He played there in 2020 and was a Gold Glove finalist. Though his bat took a leap forward in 2021, he missed most of the season with injuries.
The Cubs selected Hoerner out of Stanford with the 24th overall pick in 2018, and he was in the major leagues barely a year later. In addition to his physical skills -- Hoerner has hit at least .281 in three of his four years in the major leagues -- his intelligence and maturity stood out as vital during a Cubs rebuild where they have scant homegrown players.
Chicago is in an in-between season, hoping to compete with a roster mostly filled with free agents. While the Cubs' farm system has taken a significant step forward in recent years, particularly with canny trades at the 2021 deadline that netted them outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kevin Alcántara, they're expected to be at least a year away from playoff contention.
The Cubs also have made efforts to sign outfielder Ian Happ to an extension before the season, according to sources, but the mediocre free agent hitting class of 2023-24 could help make Happ particularly desirable this winter as he heads into the open market.
Hoerner still will reach the open market after the 2026 season at 29 years old, and the ability to do so led to a shorter-term deal. With Hoerner making $2.5 million this season, his first year of arbitration, the deal will price the second and third arbitration years at around $15 million while giving him around $20 million for his first free agent year.
Hoerner's growth in 2022 -- when he played shortstop and hit .281/.327/.410 with a career-high 10 home runs and more than 4 wins above replacement -- prompted the Cubs to seek a longer-term deal, even after signing Dansby Swanson to play shortstop. If Hoerner's past play at second base is any indication, his pivot back to the position should be seamless. He played there in 2020 and was a Gold Glove finalist. Though his bat took a leap forward in 2021, he missed most of the season with injuries.
The Cubs selected Hoerner out of Stanford with the 24th overall pick in 2018, and he was in the major leagues barely a year later. In addition to his physical skills -- Hoerner has hit at least .281 in three of his four years in the major leagues -- his intelligence and maturity stood out as vital during a Cubs rebuild where they have scant homegrown players.
Chicago is in an in-between season, hoping to compete with a roster mostly filled with free agents. While the Cubs' farm system has taken a significant step forward in recent years, particularly with canny trades at the 2021 deadline that netted them outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kevin Alcántara, they're expected to be at least a year away from playoff contention.
The Cubs also have made efforts to sign outfielder Ian Happ to an extension before the season, according to sources, but the mediocre free agent hitting class of 2023-24 could help make Happ particularly desirable this winter as he heads into the open market.
- May 2, 2010
- 17,221
- 23,557
LETS GO SOX
arstyle27
Supporter
- Nov 13, 2001
- 10,552
- 3,579
Stroman was great today. Bullpen held it down. Swanson also looked great. 1-0 baby!
- May 2, 2010
- 17,221
- 23,557
I live close to the stadium
Man that **** was so loud
Man that **** was so loud
arstyle27
Supporter
- Nov 13, 2001
- 10,552
- 3,579
4 hits for Happer. Killin the Doyers.
Cubs take 2 of 3 in LA. They were one batter away from a sweep.
Tonight they bang 20 hits vs A's.
Bellinger 5-5.
Wisdom 2 homers, now tied for league lead at 8.
Hoerner his league leading 9th stolen base.
Hoerner 2 hits + 1 walk
Swanson 2 hits + 1 walk
Happ 2 hits
Suzuki 3 hits
Mancini 0-5
Wisdom 3 hits
Bellinger 5 hits
Gomes 2 hits
Madrigal 1 hit
Early on, Hoerner, Swanson, Happ, Bellinger, Madrigal all hitting .300
Wisdom at .288, Suzuki .278
Tonight they bang 20 hits vs A's.
Bellinger 5-5.
Wisdom 2 homers, now tied for league lead at 8.
Hoerner his league leading 9th stolen base.
Hoerner 2 hits + 1 walk
Swanson 2 hits + 1 walk
Happ 2 hits
Suzuki 3 hits
Mancini 0-5
Wisdom 3 hits
Bellinger 5 hits
Gomes 2 hits
Madrigal 1 hit
Early on, Hoerner, Swanson, Happ, Bellinger, Madrigal all hitting .300
Wisdom at .288, Suzuki .278
arstyle27
Supporter
- Nov 13, 2001
- 10,552
- 3,579
Offense is clicking. Pitching , defense, and baserunning have been excellent. Very early is the season , but most optimism we've had in quite awhile. I'll be at Wrigley for the first time in almost two years May 5th! And secured some tix to see us play in San Fran in June!
- May 2, 2010
- 17,221
- 23,557
What up wit it
Tough loss vs LA last night, but they sure bounced back today...... 
Seiya a 2-run double in the 1st.
Belinger + Mancini back to back solo HR's soon after, but a 7 run 5th breaks it wide open including a 3-run bomb from Wisdom.
Hoerner added a 3-run shot later.....
Cubs had 17 hits (4 by Hoerner)
The Dodgers? Well......Smyly brought a perfect game into the 8th before a leadoff 10 foot single where Smyly and Gomes collided goin for the ball. They finished with just that single.
Cubs win 13-0.
Seiya a 2-run double in the 1st.
Belinger + Mancini back to back solo HR's soon after, but a 7 run 5th breaks it wide open including a 3-run bomb from Wisdom.
Hoerner added a 3-run shot later.....
Cubs had 17 hits (4 by Hoerner)
The Dodgers? Well......Smyly brought a perfect game into the 8th before a leadoff 10 foot single where Smyly and Gomes collided goin for the ball. They finished with just that single.
Cubs win 13-0.
