Chicago Cubs Sign Rising Star To Extension

A breakthrough 2022 season has earned a young Chicago Cubs star a rich, new three-year contract extension. 

The Cubs lock down Nico Hoerner for three more years! pic.twitter.com/F2C6J5HRZh

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 28, 2023

The deal for Nico Hoerner is for 3 years, $35M, and buys out one year of free agency, but Hoerner will still be able to hit the FA market at the age of 29. His final two arbitration years will now pay him about $15M, and what would have been his first FA year, in 2026, will now net him $20M. 

Hoerner emerged as a top young infielder last season, featuring excellent defense at shortstop, and becoming a team leader on and off the field. He'll slide over to second base in 2023 to make room for big offseason addition Dansby Swanson. Hoerner was a Gold Glove finalist in 2020 playing 2B, so the move shouldn't be a problem. 

The 25-year-old was a first-round pick by the Cubs, 24th overall, in the 2018 MLB Draft. 

In 135 games last season, he batted .281 with 10 HR, 55 RBIs and 20 SBs, and is expected to bat leadoff this year. He hit .302 in 2021, but injuries limited him to just 44 games. 

Photo: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports