The Chicago Cubs have an elite talent in their middle infield, at least according to one report.
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter recently released his list of the top 10 second baseman in Major League Baseball, with Chicago's 27-year-old Nico Hoerner landing on the list.
But where did Hoerner rank?
Hoerner is underperforming this season compared to his career numbers. He's slashing .245/ .330/ .335 this year entering Wednesday against career splits of .273/ .337/ .375.
One thing that's always reliable about Hoerner is his defense (he won a Gold Glove in 2023), which probably propelled him into Reuter's top 10.
Hoerner landed at No. 10 on the list, behind the Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies at No. 9 and the Cleveland Guardians' Andrés Giménez at No. 8.
At the top of the list was Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks, followed by the Houston Astros' José Altuve.
Hoerner's value is not felt by Reuter alone, as evidenced by Hoerner emerging in various trade talks of late. He's a gifted glove who can also play shortstop, and his plate numbers are sure to return to the mean during the second half of 2024.
Will Hoerner be moved before July 30? That depends upon Cubs president Jed Hoyer. If Hoyer does trade Hoerner, it will be Hoerner's first experience with a new MLB team.
He was selected at No. 24 overall by Chicago in the 2018 MLB draft.
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