Cubs Teammates Consider Hoerner Leader

Nico Hoerner is only 25, but his teammates on the Chicago Cubs already view him as a leader.

It’s the ultimate compliment.

"It's awesome to hear that," Hoerner told reporters in a wide-ranging interview during spring training in Mesa, Ariz. "I'm glad that I can have that impression just from being myself and going about baseball the way that I enjoy it. And I don't think it's anything too abnormal, other than just having passion for the game and trying to play alongside other people who are taking the work seriously.

"And I'm excited to hopefully share a locker room with players for multiple years on end. We've had so much turnover in the last couple of years that -- even though we've had nothing but good people come through here -- it is harder to build those relationships when people aren't around for very long. And same goes for staff.

"It takes time. It takes time to get to really know people, care for people. And the game is just so much more fun and exciting when -- obviously, you're always rooting for your teammates -- but when it's someone you've really shared experience with. That's when it's really special."

Hoerner was a first-round pick by the Cubs in the 2018 draft and soon learned under manager Joe Maddon and standout players like Javier Báez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber.

Hoerner hit .281 with 10 home runs and 55 RBI in his full season with the Cubs in 2022. Now when Hoerner looks around, he sees a vastly improved roster with the likes of Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger and Jameson Taillon, among others.

If Hoerner takes on a leadership role, it’s certainly not surprising to Cubs manager David Ross.

"Nico's an impressive human," Ross said. "He wants to win. And his mentality, I've never had to worry. He's one of those easy ones. You don't have to worry about where his headspace is. He's all about winning and what's best for the group."