Nico Hoerner

Nico Hoerner's Biography

Born on May 13, 1997, in the United States, Nicholas Mackie Hoerner, widely recognized by the name ‘Nico Hoerner,’ is a highly-skilled and highly-rated athlete. His family includes his parents – Fred Hoerner and Keila Diehl, both ex-educators, and a sibling sister named Annika. He is in a relationship with Julia DiTosto, a Stanford field hockey player. His sports journey began in Oakland, California, where he attended Head-Royce School and excelled in soccer, basketball, and baseball. His childhood was actively engaged in sports, and his passion for baseball started at a very early age. He was an all-around performer in high school, showcasing his talent as a prolific batsman and a promising baseball athlete.

After graduating high school, Nico made a pivotal decision that shaped his career. Turning down the chance to go directly to the MLB draft in 2015, he opted instead to enroll at Stanford University. This allowed him to further refine his craft under the guidance of experienced coaches and against elite level college competition. During his freshman year in 2016, Nico played in most of Stanford’s games, showcasing significant improvements in his game and firmly establishing his place in the lineup. The following summer, he played in the Northwoods League and recorded highly impressive stats.

In 2017, Nico’s performance at shortstop in his sophomore year at Stanford earned him a place in the All-Pac-12 and All-Pac-12 Defensive teams. He carried his sizzling form into the summer, proving his mettle in the Cape Cod Baseball League. His run with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox was marked by consistently high scores, earning him a league All-Star recognition.

In his junior year at Stanford University in 2018, Nico continued to dominate the scene and was named in the All-Pac-12 team for the second straight year. His continued success inevitably caught the eye of Major League Baseball scouts, and the Chicago Cubs, having been undeniably impressed, selected Nico 24th overall in the 2018 MLB Draft with a $2.72 million signing bonus.

An unexpected setback occurred when Nico was placed on the disabled list in July due to a strained ligament in his left elbow. The injury marked his exit from the regular season, but his excellent stats in the 14 games prior earned him a place with the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League. After recovering, Nico again showcased his talents in 2019 with the Tennessee Smokies and marked his debut in Major League Baseball in the latter part of the year.

Nico’s MLB career began impressively. From showcasing a brilliant debut against the San Diego Padres to playing consistent innings for the Cubs in a shortened 2020 season, he made his mark in both batting and fielding aspects. However, Nico faced a challenging period during 2021 when he struggled with oblique injuries, which significantly impacted his performance and resulted in limited game time.

Yet, Nico displayed a never-give-up attitude by bouncing back in the 2022 season spectacularly. His season was punctuated with milestones like hitting the first home run of the 2022 MLB season. He played more consistently, featuring in a majority of the seasons’ games. Nico’s display as a middle infielder and shortstop was scintillating and he ended the season with an Outs Above Average ranking of second in the National League.

Nico’s roller-coaster career took another turn when the Cubs signed shortstop Dansby Swanson in December 2022, necessitating a shift for Nico to second base. He continued shining, so much so that in 2023, the Cubs agreed on a three-year, $35 million extension. His 2023 season proved to be an excellent one. He played in 150 games, marking many highs, including hitting his first career grand-slam, stealing 30 bases in a single season (a feat not achieved since 2012), and to cap the season off, he received the Gold Glove Award at second base.

The journey of Nico Hoerner, a professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs, has been a series of highs and lows. With his determination and resilience, Nico continues to strengthen his legacy in Major League Baseball and promises an exciting future. Nico’s progress and his pursuit of excellence signify his dedication and love for the sport, making him an inspiration for many aspiring baseball players.