Meet Nico Hoerner: The 22-year-old shortstop who has played his way into Cubs’ 2020 plans

In three short weeks, Cubs shortstop Nico Hoerner became a fan favorite.

Called up from Class AA Tennessee on an emergency basis this month with Javy Baez, Addison Russell and Class AAA Iowa shortstop Dixon Machado all out with injuries, Hoerner became the feel-good story in an otherwise disastrous end to a disappointing season.

The 22-year-old, who became the first player from the 2018 draft to make it to the majors, has continued to put together solid at-bats. He was hitting .296 with three home runs and 16 RBI in 18 games through Friday.

Hoerner has been so impressive that he has played his way into the Cubs’ 2020 plans.

“You could not have possibly asked for more than we’ve gotten out of Nico,” manager Joe Maddon said. “And the thing is, he’s going to keep getting better. This guy, he’s just a gym rat when it comes to baseball. He loves doing this, and he does it really, really well.”

And Maddon truly believes Hoerner has a chance to be on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster next spring.

“You always have to worry about a little regression as the league catches up, but his bat-to-ball skills are so good, [and] he’s always had that,” Maddon said. “I don’t see that dissipating.”

With that, meet Nico Hoerner, who likely will be a key future piece for the Cubs. He joined the Sun-Times for this week’s Chat Room.

Almost everyone has a luxury leather chair with a Cubs logo emblazoned on the back in the Wrigley Field clubhouse, but you’re sitting in what appears to be a cheap black office chair. Have you not earned the right for an upgrade yet?

Nico Hoerner: “[Laughs] I guess in September, you get a lot of people in here, and maybe it’s more than the chair supply was expecting.”

You’re locker mates with Anthony Rizzo. How’s that going?

NH: “It’s great. I obviously wish he was healthy right now. But the guy definitely knows this place inside and out. He can help with little things.”

You made such an immediate impact. Your 11 RBI in your first six games were the most by a Cub in that span since at least 1908. Did you expect to have this much success?

NH: “I didn’t come in expecting to have that many RBI right away or any specific stat, but I’ve been happy with how I’ve carried myself. And I’ve just kind of continued my game as it’s always been.”

It’s such a unique opportunity in that you didn’t play at Class AAA Iowa. Do you feel like you could start at the major-league level next season?

NH: “Yeah, but I think the only way you do that is by being present. And I’m fortunate to be in this position where the priority is winning, and kind of the personal stuff has followed that. So obviously when it comes to next year, I’m pushing to be on the team. And, yes, that matters to me. But it’s all about right now, and I think that if I continue to be present, then those future personal things can take care of themselves.”

You’ve become a fan favorite. Has anyone recognized you outside of a Cubs uniform yet?

NH: ”A little bit. That’s definitely something different. But just being part of a fan base like this is really special.”

What has been the most surreal moment of this entire experience?

NH: “Hugging my family and friends after my first game. That was probably the best thing that’s happened. . . . [And] getting showered by the team after my first game was pretty cool.”

What’s it like to play at Wrigley Field?

NH: “I love the energy of it before the final out of every game. Even if it’s a blowout or a close game, it always feels like a close game basically before that last out, and I love that energy.”

Where were you when you got the call, and did you think it was real?

NH: “It was not what I was expecting. I was at home in Oakland at my house and was with my family, which is pretty unique for a call-up because usually you’re on the road or at a hotel or something, but it was perfect.”

What’s something people don’t know about you?

NH: “I can dunk pretty well.” (Hoerner is

6-1.)

How high is the rim?

NH: “A good size. It’s a normal size.”

You met with the media at Wrigley Field in 2018, but had you been to Chicago any other times?

NH: “No, the only times I’d been to Chicago had been to see doctors here when I’ve gotten hurt before, so it’s definitely good to be here in better circumstances.”

Have you had time to be a tourist?

NH: “A little bit with my family, just going to dinner and stuff, but I definitely have a lot more to explore.”

What’s on your list of things to do?

NH: “I want to get some food down by the river; that’d be cool.”

A press-box wag wants to know the truth: Why did you choose Stanford over Washington?

NH: “Stanford is an hour from home. I love California, I love the Bay Area, so that was a pretty easy [decision] for me.”

But it’s Washington . . .

NH: “Yeah, it’s beautiful. UW is great.”

Do you have a strict pregame routine you follow? What is it?

NH: “It’s mental and physical. I’m just making sure I’m ready and trying to be as consistent as I can.”