Hoerner sees Swanson addition as ‘awesome step’ for Cubs
CHICAGO — One of the primary steps Dansby Swanson took after making his resolution to affix the Cubs was to get a listing of his teammates’ telephone numbers. He deliberate on beginning the method of reaching out forward of Spring Training to start constructing rapport for the approaching season and the years forward.
Swanson already had Nico Hoerner‘s contact data. While the Cubs’ new shortstop was on his honeymoon not too long ago, his telephone buzzed with a textual content message from Hoerner, welcoming Swanson to the ballclub.
“That meant a lot to me,” Swanson mentioned. “It tells me a lot about him. And I’m excited to have this partnership over the next however many years.”
It meant rather a lot not solely as a result of they’ll kind Chicago’s double-play duo, however as a result of Swanson’s arrival pushed Hoerner off shortstop and to second base. Hoerner established himself as an elite shortstop final season however understood the Cubs’ plans so as to add this offseason and was totally on board.
Hoerner mentioned as a lot all through final season, whilst his defensive runs saved and outs above common totals stored climbing at shortstop. After enduring two seasons of rebuilding, the 25-year-old Hoerner was greater than prepared to shift to a distinct place if it meant the group was developing a contender.
“Regardless of position and myself personally,” Hoerner mentioned, “it is simply an superior step for the group. There had been, clearly, a powerful calling by everyone, actually, to make a giant signing and to push ahead to create the subsequent core of gamers that hopefully brings the subsequent championship to Chicago and plenty of successful baseball.
“They’re signing a player that isn’t just talking about doing it, but has done it before. He won a World Series as a shortstop who’s on the field absolutely every day.”
Hoerner additionally sees a terrific alternative to study from Swanson’s profession trajectory.
Swanson was the primary total choose within the 2015 MLB Draft and reached the Majors by ’16. Hoerner was a first-rounder in ’18 and made his MLB debut in ’19. Swanson had a .703 OPS in his first 4 MLB seasons however has grown into an all-around hitter who blends protection, energy and pace. Hoerner has put up a .718 OPS in his first 4 years and took a giant step ahead in ’22 (20 steals, 37 extra-base hits and a 107 OPS+).
“That’ll be really valuable,” Hoerner mentioned of choosing Swanson’s mind. “I think if you asked either of us, that’s something that we take a lot of pride in — being able to do all phases of the game really well. When you look at him, from baserunning, to defense, to hitting and hitting for power, it’s a really complete player.”
Hoerner mentioned he avoids social media through the season, however he has “felt like a fan” as he has monitored free company and the Cubs’ exercise this winter. All collectively, the Cubs have invested $290.8 million in assured wage this winter — led by the seven-year, $177 million dedication to Swanson.
“The moves the Cubs have made have been exciting,” Hoerner mentioned. “That is a really nice sign when it comes to getting to a win total that gives you a good chance to get into the postseason. Obviously, that’s the first step when you haven’t been there in a couple years.”
Hoerner mentioned he was additionally joyful to see a few of baseball’s greatest free brokers signal earlier this offseason. Not solely does he really feel that’s simply good for the sport, however Hoerner mentioned his personal positional readability heading into January will permit him to focus his exercises earlier than heading to Arizona for Spring Training.
A yr in the past, Hoerner was undecided the place he match precisely into the roster puzzle for the Cubs. He set free a slight giggle when mentioning that he even acquired an outfield glove final winter as a result of that was probably a part of the plan. Now, wanting again on 2022, Hoerner is aware of he has what it takes to be a Major League shortstop.
“For me to have the opportunity to play short last year was amazing,” Hoerner mentioned. “It’s one thing I’ve dreamed of doing on the large league degree for, actually, my complete life. And I’ll all the time take pleasure in enjoying quick and see myself as a shortstop in plenty of methods.
“But the Cubs have been incredibly honest throughout. And that’s all you can ask for, because they’re trying to make the best team that they can. And, you know, I think I’m a big part of that.”
