The Cubs introduced that infielder Nico Hoerner underwent proper flexor tendon surgical procedure on October 11, with Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune amongst these to relay the information on X. The membership hasn’t but supplied an estimated timeline for his restoration.
The information comes out of nowhere, as there was no prior indication there was something incorrect with Hoerner’s throwing arm. He didn’t go on the injured listing at any level in 2024, enjoying in 151 video games. He did miss a little bit of time with hamstring tightness in Might and he additionally suffered a hand fracture from a hit-by-pitch in June, however was again within the lineup after a couple of days off.
His arm energy has tailed off in recent times, nevertheless, which was maybe a warning signal. Within the 2020-22 seasons, he averaged between 81 and 83 miles per hour on his throws from second base. That dropped to 78.1 mph final 12 months and 75.1 mph in 2024.
Hoerner is coming off his third straight season of pretty constant manufacturing, with above-average contributions on offense, protection and on the basepaths. On the plate, he doesn’t present a variety of energy however could be very robust to strike out and will get on-base sufficient to get above par general. In every of the previous three seasons, his dwelling run complete has completed between seven and ten whereas his wRC+ has been between 103 and 108.
In 2022, he stole 20 bases in 22 tries. That appears to have prompted a extra aggressive method, which led to a couple extra steals but in addition a couple of extra outs. In 2023, he made 50 steal makes an attempt, succeeding 43 instances. In 2024, it was 31 steals in 37 tries.
Defensively, he has acquired sturdy grades at his major place of second base, in addition to filling in at shortstop. If it weren’t for the presence of Dansby Swanson on the roster, Hoerner seemingly might have supplied sturdy glovework at brief regularly. FanGraphs has thought-about Hoerner to be price between 3.9 and 4.6 wins above alternative in every of these three campaigns, reflecting his regular efficiency.
Previous to this information, there was a speculative case for the Cubs to make Hoerner accessible in trades. He and the Cubs signed an extension in 2023, a three-year pact that assured him $35MM over the 2024-26 seasons. There are nonetheless two years remaining on that deal, with Hoerner to make $11.5MM subsequent 12 months and $12MM in 2026.
This winter’s shortstop free agent class is fairly skinny. Willy Adames is the highest man and he was to be adopted by Ha-Seong Kim, however Kim just lately underwent shoulder surgical procedure and it’s unclear if he will probably be prepared for Opening Day 2025. For golf equipment that miss out on Adames, their greatest bets will probably be guys who’re seemingly seen as a tier under an on a regular basis choice, with names like Paul DeJong, Nick Ahmed and Kyle Farmer on this group.
There seemingly would have been some golf equipment focused on buying Hoerner and shifting him again to shortstop. The Cubs might have entertained the concept since they’ve a robust farm system. The present prime 100 listing at MLB Pipeline options eight Cubs, together with six which have reached the Triple-A degree. Two of these are infielders Matt Shaw and James Triantos, each of whom are able to enjoying second base.
There are solely so many ways in which the Cubs can open house for these prospects, as Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki and Swanson all have full no-trade safety. Hoerner doesn’t have such a clause. Making him accessible in trades might have allowed the Cubs to improve their pitching employees in a commerce, with Shaw and/or Triantos filling the void.
Maybe that plan will now be much less viable with the information of this surgical procedure, as golf equipment will naturally have some hesitation about buying Hoerner till his prognosis is extra clear. If Hoerner finally ends up staying with the Cubs and lacking a few of the 2025 season, maybe guys like Shaw or Triantos could have a path to Opening Day roles. Third baseman Isaac Paredes additionally has second base expertise and will slide over, opening up the recent nook.