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MESA, Ariz. — The process started a little before spring training last year. The signing of shortstop Dansby Swanson moved Nico Hoerner to second base. Nick Madrigal was a man without a position—he came up through the minors as a second baseman, after all—but the Cubs had an opening at third base.
Madrigal dug in and committed himself to the position, knowing it was his best way of getting consistent playing time.