Homegrown talent may be Cubs' face of the franchise
Second baseman Nico Hoerner has announced his presence with authority this season.
When you think about the face of a franchise, you typically picture a team’s best or highest-paid player.
For the Cubs, the highest-paid player is shortstop Dansby Swanson, who signed a seven-year, $144M contract in the offseason. The former Brave was quickly dubbed the new face of the franchise, but it's the other half of the Cubs' double-play tandem who may have assumed the role in 2023.
Hoerner entered the season with high expectations and questions: Can he continue to play Gold Glove defense after moving from shortstop to second base? Can he be the leadoff man the Cubs have been looking for since 2017? Can he take the next step and be an everyday impact player?
Thus far the answers are yes, yes and yes.
In nine games, Hoerner is hitting .341 with 14 hits, eight runs and four stolen bases as the leadoff hitter. He also recorded the first walk-off hit of his career Monday in extra innings against the Seattle Mariners.
Since the departure of Dexter Fowler following the 2016 World Series title season, the Cubs have searched for a legitimate leadoff hitter. Hoerner looks like that man.
Not only do the Cubs have their leadoff hitter, but they also have their leader. It is key that it is Hoerner fills the leadoff and leader role because he is a product of the Cubs' organization, and that gives him the advantage as the face of the franchise.
The Cubs drafted Hoerner with the 24th overall pick in 2018. Over the past five years, he has wound his way through the minor league system, making his debut with the big-league club in 2019.
There is something special about homegrown talent, a closer connection with a franchise and its fans.
"This is where I want to be," Hoerner told the media after signing a three-year, $35M contract extension in March.
Now the Cubs are reaping the rewards.
More must-reads: