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The Chicago Cubs have solidified their second base position for the foreseeable future.
Nico Hoerner has inked a six-year contract extension with the Cubs, ensuring his presence in Chicago until he turns 35, according to Jon Heyman of The Post.
Specifics regarding the contract’s total value have yet to be disclosed.
This agreement arrives as Hoerner, who will celebrate his 29th birthday in May, was anticipated to enter free agency after the current season.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the Cubs securing outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong with a six-year contract valued at $115 million.
A large part of Chicago’s lineup is now locked up long-term, with shortstop Dansby Swanson under contract until 2029, third baseman Alex Bregman not hitting free agency until 2030 and corner infielder Michael Busch under team control through the 2029 season.
“I love our chances right now, I love that we’re in a place where we have a lot of people that are very consistent and a lot of people that have high upside,” Hoerner told reporters before their 10-4 opening-day loss to the Nationals, according to the Chicago Tribune. “When you combine that with experience, it’s a special thing, and I think our group is in a really strong place.”
Hoerner is coming off a career year with the Cubs, posting a slash line of .297/.345/.394 with 29 doubles and a 6.2 WAR, as he earned his second Gold Glove award.
Even with his impressive numbers last season, Cubs skipper Craig Counsell said he believes Horner can do even better.
“Nico can grow, I think Nico can be better, and I really am optimistic he’s going to be better,” Counsell said Thursday. “Nico still has the ability to drive the ball a little more, and that’s in a good place and really ready to show up.
“But I want Nico to be himself, and he’s going to be himself and just go take his at-bat and do good things, in the mold of how he does it.”