Nico Hoerner

Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner turned in a strong bounce-back showing in 2025. After finishing the 2024 season with a modest .273 AVG and a .708 OPS, Hoerner posted a much higher .297 AVG in 2025. However, the near-20-point jump in batting average slightly hindered his speed production, as he stole only 29 bags, compared to 31 the previous season. Despite read more...

Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner turned in a strong bounce-back showing in 2025. After finishing the 2024 season with a modest .273 AVG and a .708 OPS, Hoerner posted a much higher .297 AVG in 2025. However, the near-20-point jump in batting average slightly hindered his speed production, as he stole only 29 bags, compared to 31 the previous season. Despite the drop, this was his third-straight season swiping at least 29 bases, and he has even eclipsed the 30-SB mark in two of these three. He once again fell under the double-digit HR total, hitting seven, matching his total from 2024. Under the hood, the infielder generated a remarkable 98th percentile .292 xBA, suggesting a high-end batting average in 2026 could be sustainable. The 28-year-old also lowered his strikeout rate to a minuscule 7.6% place him within the 99th percentile among qualified hitters, which is also the best mark of his career. However, unlike last season, when Hoerner was being selected in the double-digit rounds, he carries a much higher 99.4 ADP on NFBC, going off as the No. 4 second baseman. While his batting average, runs, and stolen bases make him a high-end contributor at the position, he would need to be drafted on a roster that already has high HR and RBI projections, as he does not expect to contribute much in those categories. The Stanford product remains a top option in points leagues, given his low K rate and elite contact skills, but is best paired with high-end power hitters in standard leagues.less...