Cubs Can’t Let Nico Hoerner’s Strengths Prevent Them from Developing His Weaknesses

Nico Hoerner only had 365 minor league plate appearances to his name when he was called up late in the 2019 season. An elbow injury had cut his initial pro campaign short and a fractured wrist held him out for a good portion of ’19, but a series of injuries to the shortstops above him in the system necessitated a fast-track approach. Then came the pandemic, which shortened the 2020 season and expanded rosters, more or less forcing the Cubs’ hand with the 23-year-old.

Hoerner hit .282 and showed off his contact skills over 82 plate appearances during his first stint with the Cubs, then was named a Gold Glove finalist this past season. He’s also versatile, logging time at short and third while…