Chicago Cubs' Nico Hoerner Continues Breakout Season

Young star's hot start fuels Cubs' offensive surge in win over Mets

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:25pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting Nico Hoerner's batting stance, swing, and fielding play, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Cubs' blue, red, and white colors, capturing the young star's dynamic presence on the field.Nico Hoerner's all-around excellence fuels the Cubs' offensive surge and defensive prowess.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs rode a big offensive performance, including home runs from Nico Hoerner, Moisés Ballesteros, and Ian Happ, to a 12-4 rout of the struggling New York Mets at Wrigley Field. Hoerner continued his torrid start to the season, going 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and driving in 10 runs over his last three games. The win was the Cubs' third straight as they moved over the .500 mark, helping offset the loss of closer Daniel Palencia to a left oblique strain.

Why it matters

Hoerner's breakout performance is a bright spot for the Cubs, who have dealt with early-season pitching injuries but are now finding their offensive stride. The young star's emergence as a run-producing threat at the top of the lineup could be a key factor in the Cubs' push to contend in the NL Central.

The details

Ballesteros's three-run homer in the first inning gave the Cubs an early 4-1 lead, which they extended to 6-3 on Hoerner's two-run shot in the second. The Cubs kept adding on runs, while starter Edward Cabrera pitched six solid innings to earn the win. Hoerner also made a spectacular diving play in the field, continuing to show his all-around skills.

  • The Cubs scored in double digits for the third time in three games on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • Hoerner hit his third home run of the season and drove in 10 runs over his last three games.

The players

Nico Hoerner

The young Chicago Cubs star is off to a torrid start, hitting .342 with 3 home runs and 20 RBIs in 19 games this season.

Moisés Ballesteros

The Cubs outfielder hit a three-run home run in the first inning to give the team an early lead.

Ian Happ

The Cubs outfielder also homered in the team's 12-4 rout of the Mets.

Edward Cabrera

The Cubs starting pitcher earned the win, pitching six solid innings to help the team cruise to victory.

Daniel Palencia

The Cubs closer suffered a left oblique strain, which will sideline him for an extended period.

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What they’re saying

“It was just a matter of time. We weren't going to score no runs for the entire year.”

— Ian Happ, Cubs outfielder

“He's been excellent, and just becoming a better version of himself is the best way I'd describe it.”

— David Ross, Cubs manager

What’s next

The Cubs will face former Brewers ace Freddy Peralta on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Peralta faced taunts from Cubs fans during last year's NLDS at Wrigley Field.

The takeaway

Nico Hoerner's breakout start has been a key factor in the Cubs' recent offensive surge, providing a boost as the team deals with early-season pitching injuries. His emergence as a run-producing threat at the top of the lineup could be a crucial element in the Cubs' push to contend in the NL Central.