Nico Hoerner, finally healthy, is having the best year of his brief MLB career. In 101 games and 387 plate appearances, he is batting .304/.351/.429 with 18 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 12 stolen bases. He’s also solidified a claim as the Cubs’ starting shortstop, playing solid defense at the position. Recently, manager David Ross had high praise for Hoerner:
“The more you get to know Nico, he’s just a baseball player who thrives on success and winning and work ethic,” Ross said. “He wants that moment probably more than anybody I’ve ever been around, to be honest with you.