As we wait to see the details on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s deal, fans have to be wondering who the Chicago Cubs will try to sign to a contract extension next. It shouldn’t take too long to think about because the answer is obvious. Picked in the 2018 MLB Draft and debuting in 2019, Nico Hoerner is not only one of the longest-tenured players on the team, but you can also argue that he embodies everything the Cubs want from their stars.
Hoerner may be underrated around MLB, but there’s no question how valuable he’s been with the Cubs. The gold-glove winning second baseman is one of several players on this year’s roster who are scheduled to become free agents following the 2026 season. He’ll turn 29-years-old in May, and looking ahead to next offseason’s free agent class, you can definitely see a scenario in which Hoerner wants to get to free agency no matter what kind of an offer the Cubs approach him with in-season.
In 2025, Hoerner was an elite defender and was recognized for his efforts with the second Gold Glove of his career at second base. The right-handed batter also posted a career high 109 wRC+, slashing .297/.345/.394, while stealing 29 bases and recording a 4.8 fWAR, the second most value created on the Cubs behind only Crow-Armstrong.
Dating back to 2022, Hoerner has been remarkably consistent in all aspects of his game. Even when he wasn’t tearing it up at the plate, Hoerner made it up for it with outstanding defense and great base running.
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2022: 135 games, 281/.327/.410, 20 stolen bases, 108 wRC+, 13 OAA, 10 DRS, 4.3 fWAR
2023: 150 games, .283/.346/.383, 43 stolen bases, 103 wRC+, 13 OAA, 11 DRS, 4.5 fWAR
2024: 151 games, .273/.335/.373, 31 stolen bases, 102 wRC+, 10 OAA, 4 DRS, 3.9 fWAR
2025: 156 games, .297/.345/.394, 29 stolen bases, 109 wRC+, 14 OAA, 17 DRS, 4.8 fWAR
Below are the top free agent second basemen and shortstops following the 2026 season.
Second Base
Ozzie Albies (30) – $7MM club option
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (29)
Mauricio Dubon (32)
Luis Garcia Jr. (27)
Nico Hoerner (30)
Jonathan India (30)
Brandon Lowe (32)
Gavin Lux (29)
Nick Madrigal (30)
Amed Rosario (31)
Gleyber Torres (30)
Shortstop
J.P. Crawford (32)
Mauricio Dubon (32)
Ha-Seong Kim (31)
Kevin Newman (33)
The weak class of free agent shortstops could lead to Hoerner’s preference to test the market, so if the Cubs want to avoid competing with the rest of the league for him, then they’ll have to step up and make him a sizable offer.
So, here’s my crack at coming up with a contract extension for Hoerner.
Cubs Should Offer Nico Hoerner a 6-Year, $120 Million Extension
Here are some other recent contracts signed by prominent second basemen that leads to me to a six-year, $120 million projection for Hoerner.
Jose Altuve: 5 years, $125 million, $25m AAV (signed at 33)
Marcus Semien: 7 years, $175 million, $25m AAV (signed at 31)
Ketel Marte: 6 years, $116.5 million $19.4m AAV (signed at 31)
Andres Gimenez: 7 years, $106.5 million $15.2m AAV (signed at 24)
Signing Hoerner to a six-year extension would keep him with the Cubs through his age-35 season. Let’s get a little fancy with the structure.
Number one, give Hoerner the assurance that trade rumors will only matter on his terms with a full no-trade clause. The team did it for Ian Happ, and it was a sticking point in negotiations with Bregman this offseason, as the Cubs also provided the no-trade clause in his contract.
Secondly, guarantee the first five years at $95 million; the sixth year becomes a $25 million team option with a $10 million buyout.
The Cubs, even with Bregman’s new deal, don’t have too many other big contracts on the books during the next few years, so front load the money for Hoerner.
Year 1, $25 million
Year 2, $20 million
Year 3, $20 million
Year 4, $15 million
Year 5, $15 million
Year 6, $25 million option, $10 million buyout
Even with the buyout, Hoerner would earn $105 million over five years, averaging $21 million per year.
We’ll see if any talks progress between Hoerner and the Cubs this season. Out of the pending free agent position players, Hoerner seems like the only one with whom the Cubs are willing to negotiate prior to free agency.
