(670 The Score) In a key development of the Cubs' rebuilding 2022 season, Nico Hoerner has proved he can be one of the game's best defensive shortstops.
Hoerner has 12 defensive runs saved this season, which ranks third among MLB shortstops behind the Astros' Jeremy Pena and the Angels' Andrew Velazquez, according to Fangraphs. While Hoerner's stellar defensive work isn't a shock – he was a Gold Glove finalist at second base in the shortened 2020 season – to improve at such a key position has been meaningful to both him personally and the Cubs.
"It is satisfying," Hoerner said on the Bernstein & Holmes Show on 670 The Score on Thursday morning. "It's something I've done my whole life, so I've had a lot of confidence in it. When it comes to playing at the major league level, it doesn't really matter until you do it. So all the doubt or whatever criticism, that's warranted. Because at this level, it's hard to do. Until you do it, it's not really worth much, right?
"You just have to keep going out there and performing and improving. There are a lot of things I can do to improve within that. It's been fun. I love being in the middle of the field playing in a place where you can impact the game no matter what else is going on at the plate or otherwise. I take a lot of pride in that."
Hoerner, 25, is hitting .283 with eight homers, 47 RBIs and a .733 OPS in 121 games this season. He's under contract control through 2025, though his continued progress has raised the idea that the Cubs could look to sign him to a long-term deal this offseason.
"Those are discussions that I think we'll put more thought toward in the offseason," Hoerner said. "(In) the season, I really try to focus on the day to day of playing. I know that's the answer you guys always get, but it really is a difficult thing to balance while playing. So I'm really focusing on finishing this year up, but I love Chicago. I love playing here.
"It really is a special place."
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