Chicago Cubs fans have been begging ownership to work on extensions for middle infielder Nico Hoerner and All-Star left fielder Ian Happ all offseason. Now, those negotiations may be getting underway.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer spoke with Marquee Sports Network during Cubs Convention this past weekend, and it's possible that deals could get done sooner rather than later.
“I can’t tell you where those talks stand, but I can tell you we have interest in both guys, keeping them long-term," Hoyer said. "We have started the process, I would say, with both. We have had dialogue with the agents.
“Where we are in the process or what the offers are, I would never reveal. Certainly, there is a real desire on our part. We have had meetings with both Nico’s and Ian’s representatives.”
I know what you’re probably thinking: interest is just interest. I get it; obviously one would assume Hoyer would be “interested” in extensions with Happ and Hoerner. But hey, the fact that he has spoken with both of their agents this offseason has to be a little exciting, right?
Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner: Cubs Cornerstones?
After seeing what Happ and Hoerner were able to accomplish in 2022, now is the time to jump on extensions for the pair of potential 2023 All-Stars.
In 158 games this past season, Ian Happ slashed .271/.342/.440 with 17 home runs, 42 doubles, and 72 RBIs, earning his first All-Star nod and Gold Glove Award in a breakout campaign. He is entering the final season of his contract with the Cubs, which makes it all the more important that Hoyer jumps on an extension before Spring Training.
As for Hoerner, he smacked 22 doubles, five triples, and 10 home runs with 55 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, good for a .281/.327/.410 slash line in 135 games. He also played consistent defense at shortstop and was arguably snubbed from the National League Gold Glove Award finalist list in 2022. The 22-year-old should be in line to contend for the hardware in 2023 and beyond.
Nico Hoerner has two more years of arbitration before reaching free agency in 2026. However, it would be wise for Hoyer to entertain an extension now for the ascending second baseman. Perhaps the Chicago Cubs president could pull an Atlanta Braves’ front office move and buy out the rest of Hoerner's arbitration years to negotiate a fair contract for both sides.
Following the recent signing of first baseman/DH Trey Mancini, Jed Hoyer could be motivated to make another deal this offseason before the season begins. Time will tell.
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