NICO HOERNER SHINES: Cubs’ New Symbol Delivers ‘Strongest’ Season and Eyes Massive Future.vc

CHICAGO, IL — The 2025 season was a resounding success for the Chicago Cubs, and at the heart of their resurgence was second baseman Nico Hoerner. He didn’t just meet expectations; he delivered his “strongest” season yet, cementing his status as the on-field pillar and a new symbol of the franchise’s competitive spirit.

Hoerner’s final stat line for the 2025 campaign—178 Hits, .297 AVG, 61 RBI, 29 Stolen Bases, and 7 HR—tells the story of an elite all-around player whose value far exceeds his power numbers.

The Metrics of a Breakthrough Season

Hoerner’s performance in 2025 showcased his unique offensive and defensive profile, making him a player every opponent had to worry about:

• Elite Contact: His .297 AVG (on 599 at-bats) was among the best in baseball and demonstrated his intense hitting focus. Crucially, his Strikeout Rate (K%) remained incredibly low, ranking among the top three players in all of MLB at around $7.6\%$, showing his ability to put pressure on the defense and start rallies.
• Gold Glove Defense: Hoerner was deservedly awarded his second career Gold Glove Award (the first came in 2023). His defensive metrics were elite, leading all second basemen in Defensive Runs Saved (17 DRS) and Outs Above Average (14 OAA)—a massive distance ahead of his peers.
• Historic Base Stealing: With 29 stolen bases, Hoerner showcased his historic speed on the base paths, marking his third consecutive season with at least 29 steals, and he remains one of the fastest Cubs to reach the 100-steal milestone since Sammy Sosa.

His combination of elite defense, high average, and aggressive base running made him the player the Cubs could always trust in the No. 2 spot in the lineup.

Looking Ahead: Can Hoerner Maintain His Form?

The biggest question Cubs fans face now is whether Hoerner, who will play the 2026 season at age 29, can maintain this form. Projections suggest he will remain an elite player, but the focus has quickly shifted to his contract status.

• 2026 Season: Hoerner enters the final year of the 3-year, $35 million extension he signed before the 2023 season. His 2026 salary is a modest $12 million, a tremendous value for a player with his Gold Glove defense and $4+$ WAR performance.
• Free Agency Looming: Hoerner is slated to hit free agency after the 2026 season. Insiders believe the Cubs “lucked out BIG TIME” by securing his 2026 season at this price, as his market value in free agency would likely demand a contract well over $100 million (and close to a $20 million AAV).

The Cubs front office now faces a critical decision: attempt to negotiate an extension this winter, or let him play out the 2026 season and risk him hitting the open market after the best stretch of his career. His relentless competitive spirit makes him the type of player the Cubs organization must prioritize keeping long-term.