The offseason in the minor leagues has changed quite a bit in the past year. This year saw many organizations move fall instructs to February to carry right into spring training and eventually the season. In addition, the Arizona Fall League (AFL) has been moved up by a month to begin shortly after the MiLB playoffs end in mid-September.
The Cubs normally send 7-8 players to participate in the AFL for the Mesa Solar Sox, often to advance their development by giving them more exposure elite talent or to make up for lost time during the season. Both were true of the decision to send Nico Hoerner out there after missing the end of the 2018 season due to a wrist injury.