Adjustments

A noticeable adjustment in his stance from the 2020 season to now is how open he is. Back in 2020, as shown on the left, he has more of an even stance. By looking at the picture on the right, you can see how he has shifted his stance to a more open position. Some effects of his revision are that he cut his K% from 19% to 11.1%, lowering his CSW% from 27.5% to 24%, and enhancing his contact% from 82.9% to 86.6%.

Fielding

Since the Cubs previous shortstop, Javier Baez, was traded to the Mets, Hoerner has started all of his games at shortstop. Since finding a permanent home at the shortstop position, he has cemented himself as one of the premier defensive shortstops in the game. In his first full year starting at the position, he compiled 12 DRS, which is 3rd among all shortstops only behind Jeremy Peña (14), and Andrew Velasquez (13). His UZR/150 is just outside the top 10 among qualified shortstops, yet ahead of other adequate defenders such as J.P Crawford, Dansby Swanson, and the man he is replacing, Javier Baez.

Amongst all of the advanced defensive statistics, the most impressive factor is that he stands near the top in terms of OAA among shortstops with 13, only trailing Dansby Swanson (15), proving his excellence on the defensive side of the diamond. Hoerner is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the sport putting him in the running for a Gold Glove.

Conclusion

Based on this season’s play, Hoerner has consolidated his case of being the franchise shortstop. The former Stanford stand-out has impressed and passed many of the tests thrown his way, showcasing a 3.7 fWAR/4.2 bWAR. Many shortstops are hitting the free agency market this upcoming Winter including Trea Turner, who might land the largest contract amongst all of the available shortstops, and Dansby Swanson who is having a career year in Atlanta. If shortstops Carlos Correa and Xander Bogaerts don’t opt out of their contracts at the end of the season, most would be flabbergasted. The Cubs, I would imagine, would like to expedite the rebuild by signing one of the top shortstops from the free agency class. Next year, Hoerner might have to shift over to second base if the Cubs decide to shell out a large contract to a shortstop like Carlos Correa. In the meantime, the Cubs now have a 25-year-old middle infielder who has solidified himself as a franchise cornerstone.