Nico Hoerner Hitless Through Two Spring Appearances
9 months agoChicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is 0-for-5 through two Cactus League games. He was 0-for-3 in his debut, a 7-0 loss to the Padres on Sunday, and 0-for-2 on Tuesday in a tie versus the Reds. He batted in his typical leadoff spot on Sunday, but on Tuesday he was uncharacteristically batting cleanup. That shouldn't be the case during the regular season as he spent his time hitting out of the 1-2 spots in the order all of last year, and his speed profile is more suited for the top of the order with his 43 stolen bases in 2023. He's less suited for the middle of the order as he isn't a big power producer (1.8% Barrel%), with just nine home runs and 68 RBI last season. He does have supremely high contact rates that make him one of the best in the league at putting the bat on the ball, which makes him a more attractive asset in points leagues. As for roto, he's going around 60th overall, well ahead of his RotoBaller rank of 78.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN