2025 Chicago Cubs Season Projections: Second Base |
As we continue to move across the infield for our season prediction series, we round out the left side of the diamond with one of the positions that shouldn't have any questions. However, with an offseason surgery and seeing his name pop in several trade discussions, second base has become more of a question mark to open the season.
To make matters worse, the Cubs don't have much depth behind Nico Hoerner, which means that if he goes down for any period, this team could be in trouble. That is why having a guy like Matt Shaw is so important this season, as he can start at third, which is where he is expected to start, but could also move to second should Hoerner not be ready for opening day. As complicated of a situation as it may be right now, the Cubs still have nearly two months to address what they will do at second base. That gives them plenty of time to try guys out or to make another move for a utility guy to get some much-needed time at the second. Here are the predictions for second base this season:
Ever since the Cubs drafted Hoerner out of Stanford, the feeling was that he would be the cornerstone for the next great Cubs team. Sure, he may not have the power you like to see, but his bat-to-ball skills, paired with great speed and gold glove-caliber defense, make him one of the best second basemen out there when healthy. There is a reason why the Cubs signed him to an extension three seasons ago, and there's a reason why teams have been calling about Hoerner this season regarding trade discussions. As mentioned, health has always been Hoerner's biggest success and failure, and despite his overall solid numbers, he has been injury-prone at times. Last season saw Hoerner battle through several injuries before ultimately opting for offseason forearm surgery, which now puts the start of his season in jeopardy. The Cubs hope he will be ready to begin the year as he plays such a massive part for this team offensively and defensively. Prediction: 134 games, .287 average, six homers, 42 RBIs and 33 steals Once again, Hoerner is dealing with an injury that could force him to miss time. It seems likely that he will begin the season on the IL. How long that stay will last depends on how quickly he can return to baseball speed, as the Cubs will count on him heavily in 2025. Even if he misses the season's first month, Hoerner will still have plenty of time to settle into this lineup. He hopes to be one of the Cubs' more productive all-around players. The question remains whether the Cubs will keep him beyond this season, as that bridge will be crossed later this season.Nico Hoerner
Vidal Brujan
While you could pencil in several players to be Hoerner's backup, I would like Brujan to be the primary backup. Acquired as part of the Matt Mervis trade, Brujan will essentially be taking over the role filled by Miles Mastrobuoni, as he will now be one of those roster fringe guys.
As with so many roster fringe players, Brujan has shown the ability to hit AAA pitching well, so he does not need to be there. His problem has been his inability to hit major league pitching consistently, making him more of a reserve player. The more reps he gets, the better he should be, as the Cubs need him to step up.
Prediction: 76 games, .231 average, one homer, 11 RBIs, 10 steals.
Brujan is one of those guys who knows his role on this team and what will be asked of him this season. Sure, he may not get the starts or playing time he hopes for, but having him on your team is valuable.
While the bat may struggle to make contact once again, his defensive ability to move all over the diamond is what the Cubs love about him and is what they are counting on him doing this season. Think of him as a more polished version of Mastrobuoni and someone who can stick on this roster for most of the season.
James Triantos
This season, Triantos is another second-base name to watch, especially after breaking out in 2024. One of the Cubs' top five overall prospects, Triantos is expected to begin the season in AAA, but should a trade happen with Hoerner of having him not be ready for the season, Triantos could play himself into an opening day bench role.
