Chicago Cubs early season MVP: Nico Hoerner

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Chicago Cubs early season MVP: Nico Hoerner

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated May 2, 2026 12:03 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are 20-12 on the season following their 6-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. The win, in addition to the Cincinnati Reds losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates, have put Chicago in a tie for first place in the National League Central Division.

In what was a concerning moment, though, two-time Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner was removed from the game with neck tightness. Fortunately, it does not sound like it will be anything that will keep him more than a couple of days.

Indeed, the Cubs have had to overcome a plethora of injuries to their pitching staff already this season, as well as slow starts to several of their most important hitters. Through it all, though, Hoerner has been an impressive leader and offensive force.

Nico Hoerner is the Chicago Cubs early season MVP

Mar 7, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) hits an RBI single against the Athletics in the single inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, the Cubs saw two players that hit over 30 home runs last year, Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong, get off to incredibly slow starts in 2026. Despite their overall lack of offensive production throughout April, Hoerner helped make sure Chicago kept putting up runs.

So far this season, Hoerner is hitting .297/.374/.461 with four home runs and 26 RBI. He also has seven stolen bases. He leads the Cubs in RBI and has the highest WAR on the team (2.0).

Of course, he also has been stellar on defense as well with a .991 fielding percentage. Currently, Hoerner has a 0.5 dWAR; last year, he had a career-best 2.3 dWAR. If he continues on his current trajectory, he will have his best defensive season ever, and he has already won two Gold Gloves!

Moises Ballesteros certainly could be considered for the team MVP as he is hitting .324/.386/.595 with five home runs and 16 RBI. But he only adds value offensive against right-handed pitching while Hoerner plays every day and is one of the best defensive players in the league.

Hopefully his neck tightness goes away quickly because the Cubs certainly need him to keep producing the way he has in order for them to keep pace in the National League.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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