CHICAGO — Nico Hoerner has made a statement with his actions: the 2025 season was not only a year of improvement, but also a strong declaration of his status as second base. With his impressive performance, Hoerner has made a name for himself among the “best second basemen” in the league, and experts are predicting that next season — **2026 — he will continue to build on the best foundation of his career.
In 2025, Hoerner achieved a career-high bWAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 6.2, according to analysis from Marquee Sports Network — a statistic that shows his overall impact on the Chicago Cubs lineup. Marquee Sports Network This has made him not only the team’s most valuable player, but also one of the key positions in the entire National League.
On the field, Hoerner continues to show consistent performance on both offense and defense. On the batting side, he has a slash line of .297/.345/.394 with 7 home runs, 61 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 114, showing superior efficiency compared to the average player. Marquee Sports Network On defense, Hoerner shines with an “outs above average” (OAA) of 15 — the highest among all MLB second basemen — along with a position-leading 17 “defensive runs saved” (DRS).
This achievement helped him win the NL Gold Glove for second basemen in 2025, marking the second time in his career that he has received the honor. Cubs Insider+1 Additionally, according to Sports Info Solutions analysis, Hoerner also led MLB in second place in “Defensive Runs Saved” this year, which contributed greatly to the Cubs’ “Defensive Team of the Year” title.
More importantly, Hoerner returned strong after flexor tendon surgery on his throwing hand — a significant setback that did not prevent him from showing great durability throughout the season. Marquee Sports Network His “constant presence” and consistent play have made him an indispensable pillar for teammates, leaders, and fans alike.
Many commentators and fans are starting to set high expectations for the 2026 season: if Hoerner continues to maintain his current form, he could very well be on his way to becoming a complete player — not just defensively, but also as a consistent hitter, a hitter who takes advantage of opportunities, and has a big impact on the team’s play.
However, there is one thing to watch: Hoerner’s current contract only runs through the 2026 season. If the Cubs want to keep him longer, this winter could be a crucial “new deal” moment.
As an indispensable second baseman, Hoerner is not only a “bridge” between generations of players on the team, but also a symbol of stability and daily fighting spirit. 2025 was his year — and 2026 could very well be the start of a new chapter that could put Hoerner in the rarefied category of long-remembered Cubs history.
For the fans at Wrigley Field, Hoerner’s message was clear: he didn’t come here to hang out — he came here to build a legacy.
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