An opportunity has opened up for a new Chicago Cubs prospect to shine. The Cubs announced Nico Hoerner underwent right flexor tendon surgery on October 11, leaving his availability early in 2025 in doubt. The news comes as the front office considers how to create more wins. Starting the season one bat down from last season’s squad means one more young pro will need to step up.
Nico Hoerner’s Surgery Opens Door for a Cubs Prospect to Shine
Big Shoes to Fill
Although the surgery was said to be “successful,” the Cubs haven’t yet estimated a timeline for Hoerner’s recovery. After playing through injuries early in the season, Hoerner slashed .301/.345/.410 in a little over 350 at-bats since the end of June. Add in his base running and other intangibles and the Cubs have some pretty big shoes to fill.
Though Cubs management surely knew his surgery was pending, his uncertain future adds a new wrinkle to the club’s plan to get to the next level. Manager Craig Counsell will have pitching on his mind as the Cubs seek more wins in 2025. With Hoerner possibly sidelined early in the season, and the front office spending on the bullpen and rotation, it will be up to the vaunted Cubs farm system to find a replacement for the second baseman.
Five-tool players have to have speed ??@nico_hoerner currently leads the team in stolen bases this season, tallying five in the month of May.
Five-tool players are presented by @BoschToolsNA. pic.twitter.com/OfS0INSvQ5
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 31, 2024
If the Cubs Knew About This, Why Weren’t Players Brought Up?
Getting Hoerner in and out of surgery immediately was a wise decision. But it raises the question: why didn’t the Cubs bring some of their Triple-A talent up to get them some reps in the final days and weeks of the season? At best, it was a missed opportunity.
Top Prospects Could Be In Play
The Cubs’ top prospect, Matt Shaw, is also their top infield prospect. Shaw, 22, finished the season at Triple-A Iowa where he slashed .298/.395/.534 in 35 games. A natural middle infielder, the number 22-ranked Shaw learned to play third base, giving him and the team a ton of versatility.
MATT SHAW WITH THE PLAY OF THE YEAR!!!!!! We’re going to extras! pic.twitter.com/y2Au0o5iJr
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) September 22, 2024
The other top prospect is 21-year-old James Triantos, who in 26 games at the Triple-A level slashed .302/.351/.384. Triantos plays a capable second base and can also play in the outfield.
Of the two, Shaw seems the better choice on paper. In addition to his overall hitting, Shaw hit 21 home runs with 71 RBI and stole 31 bases at Double-A and Triple-A combined last season. The Cubs are also stacked at the outfield position, making infield depth more of a priority, especially with Hoerner out of the picture for some part of the season.
Ballesteros Is Another Option
It may seem an odd choice to select a catcher who also plays first base as an option for replacing Hoerner. But Moisés Ballesteros is not your ordinary prospect. The 20-year-old is playing at a level way beyond his age, especially when it comes to hitting.
Ballesteros bombed opposing pitching at Class-A Myrtle Beach, High-A South Bend, and Double-A Tennessee in 2023. And last season, he slashed a combined .289/.354/.471 with 19 home runs, 78 RBI, and 24 doubles between Double-A and Triple-A. He’s the rare player whose hitting seems to be advancing faster than his defense.
If you are a member of the Ten Sixty West discord you already know, but I’ve heard from multiple sources that Moisés Ballesteros is heading to AAA. It’s well deserved after he slashed .299/.372/.495 as a 20 year old in AA. Mo Baller, enjoy Des Moines.
— Greg Zumach (@IvyFutures) June 17, 2024
What makes Ballesteros such an intriguing option is Michael Busch‘s presence at first base. Busch is a natural second baseman who took control of first base last year in an All-Rookie performance. Plus, catcher is one position where the team could use some more slug.
Counsell’s Style Favors Predictability
Despite Ballesteros’ obvious hitting ability, Counsell is more likely to leave Busch at first and place either Shaw or Triantos at second. The Cubs’ skipper has shown a propensity for rewarding good play at a position with regular service.
Craig Counsel saw something in this man!! So far A+ scouting from our leader!!
Hell of a start to the season Busch 🔥🔥
— Just Another Year Chicago: Cubs (@JAYChi_Cubs) April 7, 2024
Depending on how the offseason trade wars progress there may be other surprises in store at various positions. The Cubs will almost certainly be looking to land another bonafide starter and a closer, if possible.
One thing is for sure, Nico Hoerner’s surgery and subsequent recovery time is an opportunity for a Cubs prospect to step up and be counted. The baseball world has been touting the Cubs farm system for the better part of two years now. Now, the Cubs organization and its fans are counting on them to produce.
Photo Credit: © Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
