Hoerner undergoes flexor tendon surgery on right forearm
Jordan Bastian
@MLBastianCHICAGO 每 Nico Hoerner has developed into a steady performer and clubhouse leader for the Cubs over the course of the past few seasons. That is expected to remain the case next year, even as the second baseman＊s offseason has already hit a snag.
On Monday, the Cubs announced that Hoerner underwent successful flexor tendon surgery on his right forearm on Oct. 11. Dr. Keith Meister performed the procedure, which will require a focus on rehab in the months leading up to Spring Training.
Once Chicago＊s players convene at their spring headquarters in Mesa, Ariz., in February, Hoerner will be assessed by the Cubs＊ medical team and the ballclub will determine the next steps for their second baseman.
This past season, the 27-year-old Hoerner hit .273 with seven homers, a career-high 35 doubles, 48 RBIs, 31 steals and a .708 OPS for the North Siders. Per Statcast, Hoerner ranked in the 99th percentile in both whiff rate (11.6%) and strikeout rate (10.3%). A Gold Glove winner in ＆23, Hoerner also posted strong defensive numbers (10 Outs Above Average) last season.
The Cubs＊ depth behind Hoerner on the 40-man roster for second base includes prospect Luis Vazquez, utility man Miles Mastrobuoni and infielder Nick Madrigal (a potential non-tender candidate). Matt Shaw, the Cubs＊ No. 1 prospect and No. 22 on Pipeline＊s Top 100 list, is quickly climbing to the next-man-up territory as well.
Shaw, who will turn 23 on Nov. 6, is coming off a strong showing in his first full pro campaign after being picked in the first round of the ＆23 Draft. He hit .284/.379/.488 with 21 homers and 31 steals across Double-A and Triple-A, while playing mostly second and third base. Shaw is set to join Team USA＊s squad for the Premier12 tournament this November.
Hoerner 每 picked by the Cubs in the first round of the 2018 Draft 每 is under contract for $11.5 million in ＆25 as part of the extension that runs through the ＆26 season. Over the past three seasons combined, the second baseman has hit .279 with a .724 OPS, 102 OPS+, 11.2% strikeout rate and an average of 30-plus steals, 40 extra-base hits and 80-plus runs.