CBS Sports makes bold prediction for Nico Hoerner ahead of 2026 season

The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for the 2026 season with a lot of excitement surrounding the team. One of the key players on the roster is second baseman Nico Hoerner. With how the lineup is constructed, it is almost as if pitchers can forget how well he can swing the bat. One outlet wrote some bold predictions and one included Hoerner. Let’s take a deeper dive into what the prediction is.

CBS Sports predicts that the Chicago Cubs will sign an extension with Nico Hoerner

Mike Axisa of CBS Sports wrote an article with bold predictions for all 30 teams ahead of Opening Day. For the Cubs, he predicted that Hoerner would sign an extension during the season. Below is what he said regarding the prediction:

“The Cubs have a lot — A LOT — of players coming off the books after the season. Hoerner, Ian Happ, Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki, Jameson Taillon, and a few others are all heading into free agency. I have a hard time believing Chicago will let them all hit the open market and try to replace them all at once. Expect them to approach a few guy about extensions, with Hoerner likely at the top of the list. He’s already signed one extension to remain on the North Side and his all-around game (Gold Glove defense, elite contact, elite baserunning, etc.) will be close to impossible to replace. How does a six-year, $120 million contract with some bells and whistles (opt outs, options, etc.) sound? Regardless of the contract terms, I boldly predict Hoerner will sign an extension to remain with the Cubs rather than become a free agent this coming winter.”

Another thing that this bold prediction has in its favor is the impending lockout following this season. If there is a lockout, getting a contract signed means you are not subject to whatever new rules come into place. Even though it does not mean anything, Chicago just proved they are willing to give out contracts as they signed center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong to an extension before the season starts.

Hoerner had an incredible Spring Training. He finished going 14 of 37 (.378) with two homers, eight RBI, and 10 runs scored. His 1.118 OPS proved how hot he can get at the plate. With the depth in this Cubs lineup, he could be a sneaky, solid player.

It will be intriguing to see if the Cubs are able and willing to lock up Hoerner to a contract.

The post CBS Sports makes bold prediction for Nico Hoerner ahead of 2026 season appeared first on ChiCitySports.