Cubs' Reigning Gold Glover Has Incredible Defensive Highlight in Spring Training
With pitchers and catchers already reporting to Spring Training, the rest of the Chicago Cubs were able to showcase what they had for new manager Craig Counsell after full squad workouts got underway.
Teams will be able to get reps with each other before facing squads around the league in exhibition games.
Before the live action begins, many of the fringe roster players and prospects are looking to earn some time during this period, as established players continue to ramp up for the start of the year.
However, this didn't stop the Cubs' reigning Gold Glove winning second baseman, Nico Hoerner, from putting together an incredible defensive highlight.
After bobbling the ground ball that was hit at him, he regained possession before flipping it between his legs to the first baseman.
If this was done during a game it might be the defensive highlight of the season.
Hoerner had his best Major League year in 2023, posting his career-high bWAR of 5.1 with a defensive bWAR of 2.0. He also slashed .283/.346/.383 with nine home runs and his most ever runs batted in during a season (68).
He had a meteoric rise within Chicago's organization after being taken 24th overall in 2018. He debuted one year later in September 2019 and was part of the roster in 2020.
However, it wasn't until 2022 when Hoerner really broke through, playing in 135 games and posting a bWAR of 4.4 after putting up his best offensive numbers and OPS+ of 105.
The 26-year-old continued to improve his game, taking home the Gold Glove award last season.
There is plenty for the Cubs to be excited about with Hoerner at second and their other Gold Glover, Dansby Swanson, at shortstop.
Chicago values defense across their infield, and having both these players under contract through at least the 2026 season is a strong foundation to build upon.
