Cincinnati Reds Closer Emilio Pagan Suffers Severe Hamstring Injury Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagan suffered a significant hamstring injury during a game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night, forcing him to be transported off the field in a cart. The incident occurred in the bottom of the ninth inning, where Pagan, already dealing with recurring hamstring issues from earlier in the 2026 season, threw just one pitch. The pitch, a fly ball to Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, prompted Pagan to immediately clutch his left hamstring, signaling a more severe injury than his previous setbacks. Medical staff assessed the situation quickly, determining that Pagan was unable to bear weight on his left leg. Trainers rushed onto the field to assist him, and he was swiftly taken to a medical cart to be transported to the team’s facility. The Reds’ decision to use a cart instead of a stretcher indicated the severity of the injury, as Pagan was clearly in distress. Right-handed reliever Jose Franco was called upon to relieve him in the 2-2 game, which was the second contest of a series between the Reds and Cubs, longstanding rivals in the National League Central. This injury marks a critical setback for the Reds, as Pagan has been a key reliever for the team. His previous hamstring troubles in April 2026 had limited his availability, but this latest incident appears to be more serious. The Reds will likely need to adjust their bullpen strategy, relying on Franco and other relievers to fill the gap. Pagan’s absence could have a notable impact on the team’s late-inning defense, especially as the season progresses. The incident highlights the physical demands placed on pitchers, particularly closers, who often face high-intensity situations in the late innings.#chicago_cubs #cincinnati_reds #nico_hoerner #emilio_pagan #jose_franco
Cubs' Eventful April: A Season in Miniature The Chicago Cubs’ opening month of the season unfolded like a condensed version of the entire campaign, marked by dramatic shifts in fortunes, key roster moves, and standout performances that positioned the team for a strong second-half push. After a slow start, the Cubs surged with a 10-game winning streak, their longest since 1970, and climbed to second place in the National League Central with a 19-12 record. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the challenges of navigating a competitive league, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience. “This is a Major League season. Things happen,” he said. “You play the game in front of you and go from there. That builds resilience.” The month began with significant contract extensions for two key players: shortstop Nico Hoerner and outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Hoerner, in particular, delivered one of his best performances of the season, showcasing elite production that would have placed him in the NL MVP conversation if he maintained his early pace. Through April, Hoerner posted a .291/.370/.449 batting line with four home runs, eight doubles, and 26 RBIs in 146 plate appearances. His 1.6 fWAR ranked him fourth in the majors, trailing only Yordan Alvarez, Elly De La Cruz, and Aaron Judge. Hoerner also joined an elite group of Cubs players since 1995 to accumulate at least 25 RBIs and 35 hits in the team’s first 30 games. Meanwhile, the pitching staff faced its own set of hurdles. Right-handed reliever Cade Horton was lost for the season due to injury, and the bullpen endured a wave of setbacks that forced frequent changes. Despite these challenges, Shota Imanaga emerged as a standout. The left-handed starter carried his spring success into the regular season, posting a 3.15 ERA in six starts.#chicago_cubs #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #craig_counsell #shota_imanaga
2026 All-MLB Team After One Month: Top Performers Shine in Early Season The 2026 Major League Baseball season is just over a month old, and early standout performances have already begun shaping the season’s All-MLB Team. This list focuses solely on the first month of action, with no consideration for past achievements or future projections. The selections reflect the current state of play, highlighting players who have made the most significant impacts in a small sample size. While some names may shift as the season progresses, this snapshot captures the most impressive contributors so far. Catcher: Drake Baldwin, Braves Drake Baldwin, the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, has defied expectations with his performance. Hitting .311 with a 155 OPS+, Baldwin leads the National League in hits and runs scored while contributing seven home runs and 25 RBI. His offensive production has been a cornerstone of the Braves’ success, helping them remain tied for the best record in baseball. The 25-year-old’s consistency and ability to drive in runs have solidified his position as a key player on this early-season team. First Baseman: Ben Rice, Yankees Ben Rice has emerged as a vital piece of the Yankees’ lineup, transitioning from a bench player to a core contributor. Through 28 games, Rice is hitting .322 with a .447 on-base percentage and a .744 slugging average, totaling a 226 OPS+. His 10 home runs and 23 RBI have been instrumental in the Yankees’ dominance in the American League. Rice’s performance has also made him a fantasy baseball asset due to his catcher eligibility, adding value beyond his offensive contributions. Second Baseman: Nico Hoerner, Cubs Nico Hoerner has been a standout defensively, leading the National League in WAR while making routine plays look extraordinary.#nico_hoerner #elly_de_la_cruz #ben_rice #drake_baldwin #kevin_mcgonigle
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
Cubs and Nico Hoerner Agree to 6-Year Contract Infielder Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs have reportedly reached a six-year contract agreement, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. The deal comes as Hoerner, 28, prepares to avoid becoming a free agent after the 2025 season. He was set to enter free agency following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, having completed a three-year, $35 million contract he signed prior to the 2023 MLB season. Hoerner has established himself as a reliable performer throughout his seven-year professional career. During the 2025 season, he recorded a batting line of .297/.345/.394, contributing 29 doubles, 7 home runs, 61 runs batted in, and 29 stolen bases in 649 plate appearances. His consistent output has made him a valuable asset to the Cubs’ lineup, and the new contract underscores the team’s confidence in his contributions moving forward. The agreement marks a significant development for both parties, as it secures Hoerner’s future with the Cubs for the next six seasons. The deal is expected to provide stability to the team’s infield while offering Hoerner long-term financial security. Details about the contract’s financial terms were not disclosed, but the extension reflects the player’s impact on the roster and his potential for continued growth. This breaking news story will be updated.#2025_season #mlb #nico_hoerner #cubs #jesse_rogers
Nico Hoerner Signs Six-Year Contract Extension with Cubs The Chicago Cubs have finalized a long-term contract extension with second baseman Nico Hoerner, securing his services through the 2032 season. The deal, which is pending a physical examination, was confirmed through a source shared with MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian. Hoerner, who was set to become a free agent following the 2025 season, will now remain with the Cubs for the next six years. Hoerner’s performance in 2025 marked his most productive season to date. The 28-year-old recorded a career-high 114 OPS+ over 649 plate appearances, showcasing his offensive growth. He also earned his second Gold Glove Award, recognizing his elite defensive skills at second base. His defensive metrics further highlighted his value, as he led all second basemen in 2025 with 14 outs above average. Beyond his defensive prowess, Hoerner’s all-around contributions were significant. He posted a 6.2 Baseball-Reference WAR in 2025, tying him with the Mets’ Juan Soto for seventh among position players. This marks a substantial leap from his earlier career, reflecting his development into a key offensive and defensive asset for the Cubs. Hoerner’s journey with the Cubs began in 2018 when he was selected in the first round. After signing a three-year extension in 2023, he has evolved into a leader within the team’s clubhouse. His work ethic and leadership qualities have been instrumental in shaping the team’s culture, both on and off the field. The Cubs’ decision to extend Hoerner comes alongside another major contract move. On the same day, the team announced a six-year extension for center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, ensuring his presence through the 2032 season. These signings underscore the Cubs’ commitment to building a competitive roster for the foreseeable future.#chicago_cubs #nico_hoerner #mlb_com #jordan_bastian #pete_crow_armstrong
Chicago Cubs Contract Extension Rumors for Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner Show No Progress Reports from Jon Heyman indicate that the Chicago Cubs are not close to finalizing contract extensions for either Pete Crow-Armstrong or Nico Hoerner, despite ongoing speculation. While the Cubs have previously offered $66 million for Crow-Armstrong, there is no indication of a near-term deal, and Heyman suggests the team remains open to higher figures. However, the lack of concrete developments suggests that negotiations are far from active. Crow-Armstrong’s market value has fluctuated significantly over the past year. His MVP-caliber first-half performance, marked by a dynamic 30-30 threat and elite defensive skills, once positioned him at astronomical value. However, a decline in offensive production later in the season brought his worth back to more realistic levels. Despite this, the Gold Glove winner still holds substantial long-term value, though the Cubs may now have a clearer understanding of his future contributions, particularly at the plate. The current uncertainty, combined with the approaching Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, has created a challenging environment for meaningful progress on a long-term deal. While Crow-Armstrong’s extension remains uncertain, he is under team control through the 2030 season regardless of any agreement. For Hoerner, the situation is more urgent. The second baseman is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, and if he replicates his 2025 performance—highlighted by a 4.8 fWAR, Gold Glove award, and batting title runner-up finish—he could command a premium price. His value extends beyond his on-field contributions, as Heyman notes that some view him as the “lifeblood” of the team.#chicago_cubs #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #jon_heyman #collective_bargaining_agreement
