Chicago Cubs reportedly extend second baseman Nico Hoerner

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Vincent Pensabene | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 8:31 PM ET

Opening Day has come and gone for the Chicago Cubs, and it looks like it is one Cubs fans would like to forget. However, there are some positive things that can come out of the first game of the season. Only a few days after signing center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong to an extension, it appears the front office was not done. Let’s take a closer look at what is being reported.

Nico Hoerner has reportedly signed an extension with the Chicago Cubs

Apr 2, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago Cubs second base Nico Hoerner (2) scores a run on a single by outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) during the fourth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation has reported that second baseman Nico Hoerner has agreed to an extension with the Cubs. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers has reported that it is a six-year contract to add some details. However, the price tag has not been announced as of this writing. This is a massive sign of Chicago looking to extend its window to be a sustained winner. Now another integral part of the team is locked into a long-term deal.

Hoerner had a strong 2025 season. He finished with top-20 votes for the National League Most Valuable Player Award and the NL Gold Glove at second base. At the plate, he posted a .739 OPS with seven homers, 61 RBI, 89 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases. He provides a stable contact-oriented hitter at the plate with incredible defensive prowess in the middle of the infield.

Hoerner is in the final year of his three-year, $35 million deal. However, it is likely that the extension will keep that contract in place. He is slated to make $12 million in 2026 before this extension, but he will avoid free agency. It appears that Jed Hoyer and the rest of the front office believe in this core to be a winning group. This will be intriguing to watch as Chicago could be a serious threat in 2026. Hoerner can step up without the pressures of the contract in a place he is familiar with.

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

More must-reads: