Nico Hoerner saw his first full season at shortstop with the Chicago Cubs during the 2022 MLB season.
While 2022 was his fourth season playing in the majors, it was 2022 when fans saw the full extent of his talent.
However, the Cubs felt it was best to sign free agent shortstop Dansby Swanson this offseason.
With both Hoerner and Swanson playing the same position, where will Hoerner fit in with the Cubs’ new lineup?
Hoerner Could Head Back To Playing Second Base
Back during the 2020 season, the Cubs had Hoerner playing at second base.
He was good enough to be considered for a gold glove during that COVID-shortened season.
NL Gold Glove Award winner at second base – Kolten Wong (STL). @nico_hoerner was a finalist.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) November 4, 2020
With Swanson joining the Cubs for 2023, it makes sense to place Hoerner back at second base.
He already knows how to play the position and he’s solid playing the position as well.
With the team having two second basemen on the roster with little MLB experience, it’s possible they move him back to second base.
However, them having only two shortstops in Hoerner and Swanson means Hoerner could become a backup.
If this happens, it will rob their defense of a solid player.
While anything can happen before the start of the season, it makes sense to have him go back to second base.
It also keeps a solid bat in the lineup, as his .281 batting average, 55 RBIs, and 10 home runs were a help last season.
If the Cubs want to win in 2023, they will have both Hoerner and Swanson playing each game.
