Cubs Lock Up Star Infielder Nico Hoerner with 6-Year Extension

Chicago reportedly signs Hoerner to long-term deal ahead of his free agency eligibility.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:33pm

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The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a six-year contract extension with star second baseman Nico Hoerner, keeping the 28-year-old Gold Glove defender off the upcoming free agent market. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the extension is expected to be worth around $120 million and includes options and bells and whistles to keep Hoerner in Chicago long-term.

Why it matters

Hoerner has emerged as one of the most well-rounded and underappreciated players in baseball, providing elite defense, contact hitting, and baserunning. Locking him up long-term is a major move for the Cubs as they look to build around their up-the-middle core of Hoerner, shortstop Dansby Swanson, and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

The details

Hoerner is coming off a 2025 season in which he slashed .297/.345/.394 with 29 stolen bases and the third-lowest strikeout rate among qualified hitters. His all-around game made him a 4 WAR player for the fourth consecutive season. The Cubs have now signed Hoerner and Crow-Armstrong to long-term extensions this week, ensuring their up-the-middle defensive stalwarts will remain together for the foreseeable future.

  • The extension was agreed to on March 26, 2026.
  • Hoerner went 0-for-4 in the Cubs' Opening Day loss to the Washington Nationals on March 26, 2026.

The players

Nico Hoerner

A 28-year-old second baseman for the Chicago Cubs who has emerged as one of the most well-rounded and underappreciated players in baseball, providing elite defense, contact hitting, and baserunning.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A center fielder for the Chicago Cubs who was signed to a six-year, $115 million extension earlier this week, keeping the team's up-the-middle defensive core together.

Dansby Swanson

The Chicago Cubs' shortstop who is signed through 2029, forming a strong up-the-middle defensive unit with Hoerner and Crow-Armstrong.

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What’s next

The Cubs will look to build around their up-the-middle core of Hoerner, Swanson, and Crow-Armstrong as they aim to win the NL Central division in 2026 after finishing second in 2025.

The takeaway

By locking up Hoerner and Crow-Armstrong to long-term extensions, the Cubs have ensured their elite defensive up-the-middle players will remain together for the foreseeable future, providing a strong foundation as the team looks to return to the playoffs and contend for a World Series title.