Cubs, Nico Hoerner Agree to 6-Year Extension The Chicago Cubs have secured second baseman Nico Hoerner with a six-year contract extension, keeping him under team control through the 2029 season. The deal, reported by ESPN, prevents Hoerner from becoming a free agent after the 2025 season. Financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed, and the Cubs have not officially announced the signing. Hoerner, 28, struggled in his debut with the Cubs, going 0 for 4 in the team’s Opening Day loss to the Washington Nationals. However, his overall performance in 2024 was impressive. Last season, he posted a .297 batting average with a .345 on-base percentage and .394 slugging percentage, along with 29 stolen bases. His strikeout rate was among the lowest among qualified hitters, and his defensive skills earned him a Gold Glove Award. Over the past four seasons, Hoerner has consistently contributed around 4 wins above replacement (WAR), solidifying his status as one of baseball’s most underrated players. The extension comes as part of a broader effort by the Cubs to retain key players ahead of free agency. Earlier this week, the team also signed center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong to a six-year, $115 million contract. With shortstop Dansby Swanson already locked in through 2029, the Cubs have ensured their infielders—Hoerner, Crow-Armstrong, and Swanson—will remain together for at least three more seasons. All three are Gold Glove defenders, and their combined offensive and defensive value is considered nearly irreplaceable. The decision to extend Hoerner aligns with predictions made by analysts earlier in the season. With several core players set to hit free agency, including Ian Happ, Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki, Jameson Taillon, and others, the Cubs were expected to prioritize long-term deals.#chicago_cubs #mlb #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #dansby_swanson
