Ian Happ perfectly explains why Nico Hoerner means so much to the Cubs

Defense has become part of the Chicago Cubs' identity under Craig Counsell, and Ian Happ just explained why Nico Hoerner sits at the center of it. Hoerner has been described both as the engine of the offense, and a defensive prodigy, and Cubs fans can clearly see why.

Ian Happ explains what makes Nico Hoerner different

In game one of the Cross town classic, Hoerner made an extravagant diving play to keep the White Sox at bay late in the game after the Cubs had stolen all of the game's offensive momentum. The play was so well done, and Hoerner made it look so easy, it's been abuzz across baseball media. His team had nothing but excellent things to say about his energy and prowess on the field.

"“He’s just so good out there, and especially going into his left side, he’s the best in the world at going to his left. Anytime a ball is hit in that four hole, you kind of feel like he’s got a chance at it. And just the combination of point in the game, full extension, the energy in the stadium is pretty awesome.”"

Ian Happ

The Cubs signed Hoerner to a six year contract extension for good reason, and Hoerner has been quick to show exactly why he was worth it. Hoerner's presence on the field genuinely changes how the opponents offense approaches the game, and that's the kind of force any team would be happy to have on their side.

One of the reasons Hoerner has been able to flourish so well on the field lately is due to manager Craig Counsell's excellent defensive coaching philosophy. This type of management enables star players like Hoerner to grow and flourish as he needs to. The results are quite clean and easy to accept.

Happ's comments about Hoerner don't come as a surprise. Hoerner's ability has created such a bright spot on Chicago's infield, it's hard not to become enamored. There's a good argument to be made that without Hoerner on the field, those win streaks would have come at a much more difficult rate.

Hoerner may never be the loudest player on the roster, but his impact on the Cubs continues to speak for itself every single night. Ian Happ’s comments only reinforced what Cubs fans have already started realizing: Nico Hoerner has become one of the most important players on this team.

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