Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner underwent flexor tendon surgery after the season, the team announced Monday. Hoerner experienced discomfort in his right forearm for a significant portion of the season, and his general timeline for next year will depend on how he’s progressing once he reports for spring training in Arizona, according to sources.
This adds another uncertain element to a pivotal offseason for the Cubs. Hoerner is a Gold Glove defender at second base, a proven major-league shortstop and a leader by example in the Wrigley Field clubhouse.
Hoerner played in 151 games this year, essentially posting a league-average OPS+ (101) while generating value with his speed (31 stolen bases, 86 runs scored) and elite defense. He finished with seven home runs, 48 RBIs and a .273 batting average. Even in a year that did not meet his own expectations, he still produced 3.7 WAR, per Baseball Reference.
Dr. Keith Meister, a well-known figure in sports medicine and the longtime team physician for the Texas Rangers, handled Hoerner’s surgical procedure on Oct. 11.
If needed, the Cubs have corner infielders with experience at second base, such as Michael Busch and Isaac Paredes. The organization also features several well-regarded prospects who finished this past season at Triple-A Iowa, a group that includes infielder Matt Shaw, a first-round pick in the 2023 draft.
Hoerner, a homegrown player who’s now 27, signed a three-year, $35 million contract extension ahead of Opening Day 2023, hoping to be a big part of the team’s long-term future. If trading Hoerner was always an unlikely scenario this winter, those chances are likely now down to zero.
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