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3 breakout candidates for the Chicago Cubs 2022 season

By Jordan Campbell

Jul 21, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Cubs, Nico Hoerner
Chicago Cubs Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Nico Hoerner

Nico Hoerner is entering his first full season with the Chicago Cubs and that could signal a breakout.

After trading away Javier Baez at the Major League Baseball trade deadline last season, the Chicago Cubs currently have an opening at the shortstop position. Prior to the lockout, the Cubs were heavily linked to free agent shortstop Carlos Correa. However, with Correa now aligning himself with power agent Scott Boras and seeking a contract north of $330 million, it would appear unlikely that a deal is reached between the two sides.

Assuming that the Cubs do not sign Correa or another free agent shortstop such as Trevor Story, the shortstop position will likely go to Nico Hoerner. Hoerner was the Cubs’ first round selection in 2018 and quickly ascended through the Cubs’ system as he made his debut with the team in 2019. Despite the early debut for Hoerner, he has yet to play a full season as the 2020 season was shortened to 60 games and the young infielder was limited to 44 games last season.

When Hoerner has played, he has proved to be effective as he has a clip of .272/.342/.349/.691 for his career while also showing the ability to play both middle infield positions as well as centerfield. The 2022 season is set to be Hoerner’s first full season at the Major League Baseball level and he figures to be a breakout candidate considering the .302/.382/.369/.751 clip he had last season.

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