Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

David Ross Discusses Cubs' Leadoff Role, Nico Hoerner

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Tyler Edmunds | Last updated 3/3/23

Hoerner's contact rate and above-average speed offer Ross an intriguing option at the top of the Cubs' lineup.

It might not be the biggest surprise of the offseason so far for Chicago Cubs fans, but in light of manager David Ross’ recent interview with Marquee Sports Network, it looks like he may have found his leadoff hitter. When asked about Nico Hoerner in the leadoff role, Ross stressed the importance of “setting the tone” and that he “likes him (Hoerner) starting things off.”

So far this spring, Hoerner has batted leadoff in all four of the games he’s played. For his efforts, he’s batting .273 with three hits, including one double and one RBI.

Throughout his career, Hoerner hasn’t seen much time as a leadoff hitter, making just three appearances at the top of the order between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. That doesn’t mean he would be a bad option for the leadoff spot, however.

Although he didn’t lead off at all last season, here’s an interesting stat: in 2022 when facing the starting pitcher for the first time in the game, Hoerner posted a .308/.347/.458 slash line with 37 hits ( 10 extra-base hits) and six walks in 127 plate appearances.

Last season was a coming-out party for Hoerner. In 135 games, he slashed .281/.327/.410 with 10 home runs, 22 doubles, five triples, 20 stolen bases, 55 RBIs, and 28 walks. With zero outs and nobody on base, Horener posted a .267 batting average, .303 OBP, 31 hits, five walks, and 12 strikeouts in 86 appearances.

Most of his at-bats came from the fifth spot in the lineup, and although he only walked 28 times, his contact rate and above-average speed indicate he has the potential to be a spark at the top of the Cubs’ lineup in 2023.

The biggest question surrounding the Chicago Cubs’ leadoff spot for 2023 is: if not Nico Hoerner, then who? With outfielder Seiya Suzuki sidelined for possibly two months with an oblique injury, the options are slim. If infielder Nick Madrigal makes the Opening Day roster, he also represents an option for David Ross, but right now all eyes are pointing to Hoerner, and that’s not a bad thing.