Click here to view the transcript of today’s chat with MLBTR’s Anthony Franco.
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I’m not sure what is so confusing/puzzling about the Hoerner extension. From the Cubs perspective, they have a couple good young shortstop prospects (Hernandez and Howard) that in three years would need to make a decision on. From Hoerners, he is guaranteed 35 million and enters free agency at age 30. It’s a win by both sides, Hoerner is financially secure and the Cubs have three years to either develop their shortstops or extend Hoerner again.
I agree with your assessment, drasco. He wasn’t going to make mega-bucks in Arb and “gave away” one FA year for lifetime financial security. It seems like a win/win, especially knowing he’s a FA at 30 years old and could be hurt at any time. He’s still betting on himself even after securing a nice bag. Somebody will pay him to be their SS, or he gets paid to be a nice 2B either in Chicago or elsewhere. It seemed to be a “trendy” thing to call this deal “weird” while we see it differently.
I like it from Hoerner’s perspective well enough. I don’t think it made much sense for the Cubs.
He’d have probably made around $12-15MM over the next two seasons if he’d gone through arbitration; he’s building off this year’s $2.525MM figure, which is pretty modest. So the Cubs are committing $35MM to him to lock in one free agent season three years from now which they’re valuing in the $20-23MM range. That doesn’t seem like it’ll be much of a bargain for a glove-first second baseman, which isn’t a profile the market has really valued highly.
I don’t think there’s enough upside here from their perspective to make the risk they’re taking on worthwhile.
Fair enough Anthony, especially when put forth from the team perspective. I’d say it gives them cost and player certainty, with perhaps a slight overpay. Could this be compensation for moving Nico off SS? I know that sounds abstract, but it would be a question I’d ask Cubbies management if given the opportunity. Anyhow, love the chats and stay blessed homie!