Chicago Cubs can believe in this early 2026 development

MLB wrote an article where each beat writer wrote an early-season development that each team can believe in. Jordan Bastian discussed how second baseman Nico Hoerner has looked even better in 2026. Below is what he said:

“What Hoerner brings to the Cubs is hardly a secret. The second baseman plays elite defense (see: two Gold Glove Awards), brings plus speed (123 steals from 2022-25) and has been one of the hardest players in the game to strike out (49 in 649 plate appearances in ’25). Hoener boasts one of baseball’s elite contact rates, helping him perfomr well in the clutch (.371 average with RISP last year). Out of the gates this season, Hoerner is hitting at an even higher level and is near the top of the WAR leaderboards on both FanGraphs and Baseball-Reference. A subtle swing change has helped, and this hot start is a continuation of a dynamic September and postseason last year. Fresh off signing a six-year, $141 million extension, Hoerner looks like he has unlocked an even better version of himself for the North Siders.”

Entering April 19, Hoerner has looked outstanding at the plate. He is posting a .927 OPS with three homers, 20 RBI, 13 runs scored, and six steals without being caught. As a result, the lineup has been even deeper and makes things even better. It will be intriguing to see if Hoerner can continue hitting as well as he has. With the injuries to the pitching staff, having hitters play better than the back of their baseball card is critical to success.