Chicago Cubs: 3 current players to keep and build around
INF Nico Hoerner
I realize that the Cubs 2018 first-round pick technically came in primarily as a middle infielder, but Nico Hoerner‘s defensive versatility and his youth could be something to Cubs use to remain semi-competitive while the roster turns over.
He had time at several positions other than his natural second base spot, showing that the team comes before one’s own positional concerns.
His bat isn’t the most impressive thing in the world but that is likely mature, as his intelligence at the plate is apparent.
He’s never going to be a guy that mashes the ball, but infielders that are able to spread the ball out with solid contact are something to value.
At only 24 years old, Hoerner is in the perfect spot. He hasn’t fully grown to his potential and his contract does not have the Cubs in a tough financial spot since he is in pre-arbitration land for another couple of seasons.
Must Read. Chicago Cubs: 3 players who won’t be back in 2021. light
If Baez is to be traded, Hoerner, along with the most recent first-round pick in Ed Howard, could form a new solid middle infield duo that doesn’t take up a ton of cap and are young enough to develop while the rest of the team is being put together.
Unless Hoerner is included in a deal with a star to net a serious prospect haul in return, it doesn’t make a ton a sense to trade a guy who just got here.