Each day in March, NBC Sports Chicago is previewing one player from the Cubs’ expected 2020 Opening Day roster. Next up is infielder Nico Hoerner.
2019 recap
Hoerner was pressed in action last season after Javier Báez and Addison Russell went down with injuries in September. The 22-year-old shortstop, who had yet to play a game above Double-A, filled in admirably.
In 20 games, Hoerner hit .282 with 17 RBIs and a .741 OPS, playing a solid defensive shortstop. His big league debut was one for the ages; Hoerner went 3-for-5 with four RBIs, leading the Cubs in a 10-2 win over the Padres.