Nicholas Mackie Hoerner Bio
Nicholas Mackie Hoerner is an American professional baseball middle infielder for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball at Stanford University and was selected by the Cubs in the first round of the 2018 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2019 and has won two Gold Glove Awards during his career. Known for his defensive skills and versatility on the field, Hoerner has established himself as a key player for the Cubs since joining the team.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Mackie Hoerner was born on May 13, 1997. He attended Head-Royce School in Oakland, California, where he excelled in multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, and baseball. During his senior year, he showcased his talent by batting .517 with six home runs, 30 runs batted in (RBIs), and 40 runs scored. Despite his impressive high school performance, he was not drafted in the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. Following high school, Hoerner enrolled at Stanford University, where he continued to develop his baseball skills. At Stanford, Hoerner played for the Stanford Cardinal baseball team. In his freshman year in 2016, he started 53 of 54 games at second base, batting .254 with 53 hits and 24 RBIs. His collegiate career included a stint in the Northwoods League, where he further honed his skills. As a sophomore, he transitioned to shortstop and had a standout season, earning All-Pac-12 honors. By his junior year in 2018, Hoerner had established himself as a top player, batting .345 with two home runs and 40 RBIs, leading to his selection in the MLB draft.
Path to Baseball
In the 2018 Major League Baseball draft, Nicholas Mackie Hoerner was selected 24th overall by the Chicago Cubs, signing for a $2.72 million signing bonus. He made his professional debut with the Arizona League Cubs and quickly moved up the ranks, playing for the Eugene Emeralds and the South Bend Cubs. Unfortunately, his first season was cut short due to an elbow injury, but he showcased his potential by hitting .327 with two home runs and six stolen bases in 14 games. Hoerner began the 2019 season with the Tennessee Smokies and continued to impress, slashing .284/.344/.399 over seventy games. His performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues, where he made his debut on September 9, 2019, becoming the first player from his draft class to reach the majors. In his debut against the San Diego Padres, Hoerner went 3-for-5 with four RBIs, marking a successful start to his MLB career.
Nicholas Mackie Hoerner Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Nicholas Mackie Hoerner’s early career in Major League Baseball began with his debut in 2019. Over twenty games that season, he batted .282 with three home runs and 17 RBIs. The following year, in a shortened season due to the pandemic, he faced challenges, slashing .222/.312/.259 with 13 RBIs over 48 games. Despite these struggles, he showed promise and resilience, setting the stage for a more productive 2021 season. In 2021, Hoerner faced injuries that limited him to just 44 games. However, he managed to post a solid batting average of .302 with ten doubles and 16 RBIs. His ability to bounce back from adversity demonstrated his determination and skill as a player.
Breakthrough (2022–2023)
The 2022 season marked a significant turning point in Hoerner’s career. He played in 135 games, achieving a batting average of .281 with ten home runs and 55 RBIs. Notably, he hit a two-run home run on Opening Day against the Milwaukee Brewers, signaling a strong start to the season. His defensive prowess also shone through, as he finished second in the National League in Outs Above Average. In 2023, Hoerner continued to excel, playing in 150 games and slashing .283/.346/.383 with nine home runs and 68 RBIs. His standout performance earned him the Gold Glove Award at second base, making him part of a historic middle-infield duo with teammate Dansby Swanson. This recognition solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Nicholas Mackie Hoerner has achieved significant milestones, including two Gold Glove Awards in 2023 and 2025. He has become known for his defensive skills and contributions to the Chicago Cubs, establishing himself as a key player in the team’s lineup.
Nicholas Mackie Hoerner Award Nominations
Nicholas Mackie Hoerner has received notable recognition in the form of award nominations throughout his career, particularly for his defensive skills and overall contributions to the game.
Nicholas Mackie Hoerner Awards Won
Hoerner has won several awards during his career, including the prestigious Gold Glove Award, which he received in both 2023 and 2025 for his outstanding defensive performance as a middle infielder.
Nicholas Mackie Hoerner Family
Nicholas Mackie Hoerner comes from a family of educators. His father, Fred Hoerner, has retired, while his mother, Keila Diehl, works for the University of California, Berkeley. He has one sibling, a sister named Annika.
Personal Life
Hoerner grew up as a fan of the Oakland Athletics and has maintained a passion for the game of baseball throughout his life. His family background in education has influenced his approach to the sport and his commitment to continuous improvement.