Will the Chicago Cubs extend Nico Hoerner this offseason?

The front office should try to lock Hoerner up on a more team friendly type deal. The Cubs did it with Anthony Rizzo years ago to give him security early on his Cubs career. That was almost 10 years ago with Rizzo and his extension, so probably will not be as big of a steal as it was with Rizzo but can still definitely be a team friendly deal.

If the Cubs and Hoerner were to agree on an extension it could be very beneficial for both sides. For Hoerner he gets a significant raise, plus the security as well. While the Cubs get to lock down one of their young players for a couple more years overall.

It also would be smart to lock up Hoerner now then see him go off and have an even better year in 2023 and have to pay him even more if you want to keep him in the Cubs organization for the foreseeable future.

Do the Cubs really need to sign another shortstop if they have Hoerner?

With Hoerner anchoring shortstop and doing it well do they Cubs really need to go shopping for a shortstop this winter?

There are multiple reports out there that the Cubs will be big spenders this offseason. Depending on who you follow in the media they are supposedly major players for the likes of Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Dansby Swanson, and Carlos Correa. Also, he may not be a shortstop but rumors are swirling that the Cubs could be seen as a landing spot for longtime Chicago White Sox first baseman in Jose Abreu.

What is really good about Hoerner as a player is that he is athletic enough to play other positions on the diamond. He would have no issue sliding back over to second, or third if the Cubs were able to land one of the big named shortstops in this years free agent class. Some even think that he could be an above average center fielder if that is where the Cubs needed him to play in the field.

Do I feel the Cubs sign a shortstop this winter? I really do but could not tell you which one I think they end up getting on their end. The Cubs getting another shortstop is not because they do not believe in Hoerner, but just that they feel that getting one of the big names out there can really help the Cubs compete in 2023 and beyond. Adding one of those said free agent shortstops and having Hoerner up the middle would be a great duo.

Hopefully the Cubs and Hoerner can both agree to keep him on the north side for the next few seasons at minimum with an extension.