Chicago Cubs: Who will win the starting second base job?

The Chicago Cubs have a little bit of a competition going on at second base right now. Some people probably think that Nico Hoerner went into the offseason with the job locked up but David Bote wants it too. It appears that Kris Bryant is going to be playing third and Joc Pederson is in left so that only leaves second for Bote. They have been trying to settle it during spring training and the decision isn’t really easy.

The Chicago Cubs have two really good options for the second base job but who will win it?

David Bote has been with the Cubs for a few years now. They have also used him in many different positions. He has had some big moments with his bat as well so there is no doubt that he provides value to the club. Whether he wins this starting job or not, he will still have a big impact on the Cubs roster in 2021.

Nico Hoerner has been seen as the future of the position for the Cubs. Hoerner was the 24th overall pick of the first round in the 2018 MLB Draft. Using a selection like that on him clearly tells you what you need to know about how the Cubs see him. His development has been one of their top priorities since the day they drafted him.

Hoerner’s bat is still coming along but his defense has been really good. Going into spring training, he was known for the glove while Bote was more known for the bat. Well, Nico’s bat has been tremendous. He is doing everything he can to win this job. He is slashing .355/.412/.613 so far with one home run, five runs batted in, and three stolen bases. That is very good production from a good eight (or nine) hitter in the National League if he can carry it into the regular season.

The thing making this hard for the Cubs is that David Bote is also having an incredible spring. He is slashing .344/.417/.781 with three home runs and eight RBIs. Both of them are doing everything that you want to see from a guy competing for one last starting role.

What is going to end up happening? Well, we don’t know yet. It is a safe bet to say that both of them are going to get their fair share of playing time in 2021. With the removal of the DH from the National League after trying it in 2020, you can expect whoever isn’t starting that day to come in and pinch-hit at times. Each of them would benefit from them adding that DH back before we get going. Hopefully, each of them is able to have a good year in whatever role they are assigned and help their team win games.