Nico Hoerner has been the Chicago Cubs‘ starting second baseman since 2019 — a player who brings steady defense and a quietly productive bat to the middle of the diamond. His 2025 season made the case loud and clear: a .297 average, 89 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases put him among the most well-rounded second basemen in the game.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Nico Hoerner
- Position: Second Base
- Team: Chicago Cubs
- Jersey: #2
- Bats / Throws: Right / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’11» / 200 lbs
- Born: May 13, 1997 — Oakland, CA (age 29)
- MLB Debut: September 9, 2019
- Country: United States 🇺🇸
Background
Born in Oakland, California, on May 13, 1997, Hoerner grew up in a region with deep baseball roots. The Cubs selected him in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft, making him one of the crown jewels of Chicago’s farm system at the time. His path through the minors was solid and purposeful, and he made his big-league debut on September 9, 2019. Since then, he’s locked down the middle infield at Wrigley Field, earning the organization’s trust with polished defense and a steady ability to adapt to the professional game.
Professional Career
Hoerner has been a regular in the Cubs’ lineup since his debut, but 2025 was his best season to date. He posted a .297 average, drove in 61 runs, scored 89, and put up a .739 OPS — numbers that placed him among the most productive second basemen in the league that year.
In 2024, he hit .273 with 7 home runs and 31 stolen bases, showing off the speed dimension of his game. The 2026 season has been more of a grind — a .258 average and 17 stolen bases — but he remains a premier defensive asset up the middle.
What stands out most about Hoerner’s profile is his consistency on the basepaths. Between 2024 and 2025, he swiped 60 bases combined, putting him firmly on the radar of any team that values speed and baserunning intelligence.
Career Stats
- 2026 — Chicago Cubs: .258 AVG | 7 HR | 53 RBI | 47 R | .681 OPS | 17 SB
- 2025 — Chicago Cubs: .297 AVG | 7 HR | 61 RBI | 89 R | .739 OPS | 29 SB
- 2024 — Chicago Cubs: .273 AVG | 7 HR | 48 RBI | 86 R | .708 OPS | 31 SB
Awards and Recognition
Hoerner hasn’t collected a Silver Slugger or an MVP trophy yet, but his consistency has kept him as an unquestioned starter in Chicago. His improving offensive numbers and reliable glove have made him one of the more respected players in the division. His biggest achievement so far? Being the undisputed heart of the Cubs’ infield — a player managers lean on when the game is on the line.
Did You Know?
Hoerner’s defensive versatility goes beyond second base. He’s logged time at shortstop and third base whenever the Cubs have needed a plug-in solution, and his work ethic in practice is a big reason why. That kind of flexibility makes him valuable in ways that don’t always show up in the box score — and it’s a big reason the Cubs keep building around him.
