{"id":87788,"date":"2024-10-16T23:25:27","date_gmt":"2024-10-17T03:25:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=87788"},"modified":"2024-10-16T23:26:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T03:26:00","slug":"should-cubs-trade-nico-hoerner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/10\/16\/should-cubs-trade-nico-hoerner\/","title":{"rendered":"Trade Rumors Starting Around Cubs Gold Glove Infielder: Pros and Cons"},"content":{"rendered":"

Faint trade rumors<\/a> have surfaced regarding Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner<\/a>. The Gold Glover has been a key to the Cubs’ rebuild after shifting to second with the signing of shortstop Dansby Swanson<\/a>. There might be deals to be made with teams seeking a versatile infielder with excellent bat-to-ball skills. The Cubs are loaded with young talent ready to make their mark around MLB. But what are the pros and cons of the Cubs trading their Gold Glove infielder?<\/p>\n

Trade Rumors Surrounding Cubs Infielder Nico Hoerner<\/h2>\n

A Buzz-Worthy Trade Chip<\/h3>\n

By the numbers, 2024 was the least effective hitting campaign of Hoerner’s first three full seasons in MLB. His slugging percentage is his biggest career weakness. His best season came in 2022 when he slugged .410 with a .737 OPS. But he did lead the Cubs in doubles (35) and stolen bases (31) last season.<\/p>\n

Besides his extremely high bat-to-ball skills, Hoerner, 27, has become an anchor in the middle infield alongside Swanson. Granted, his 3.7 WAR wasn’t quite All-Star level. But his average WAR for the past three seasons is a respectable 4.3. The fact that he plays equally well at both second base and shortstop makes him a versatile two-way player.<\/p>\n

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Nico knocks out his second home run of the night. pic.twitter.com\/DmtMNOAC3t<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 25, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n