Nico Hoerner2B | Cubs

Hoerner will compete for second base jobJanuary 19, 2020 | 06:04 PM

Cubs prospect Nico Hoerner will get a chance to win the starting second base job during spring training. Analysis: With Ben Zobrist and Addison Russell out of the picture the Cubs have a gaping hole at second base heading into the new season. Hoerner has been a shortstop throughout his minor league career but is blocked there by Javier Baez. Other internal candidates to play second base for the Cubs this year are David Bote, Daniel Descalso and Ian Happ. Hoerner was the Cubs' first-round pick in the 2018 draft. He made a 20-game cameo in the majors last year and turned in a .282 batting average with three homers and 17 RBI in 82 plate appearances. He profiles as a table-setter who will get on base at a high rate with a bit of pop and speed. He's played just 89 games in the minors since turning pro and missed extended time last summer with a broken bone in his wrist. He's still quite raw and may need additional development before taking over the keystone for the Cubs, although the chances are good that he will be in the majors to stay at some point this season.