Cubs' Nico Hoerner is on pace to place himself in franchise history books

Cubs' Nico Hoerner is on pace to place himself in franchise history books originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Cubs are off to a flying start, and they are being powered by one of the games best. Second baseman Nico Hoerner has been a lightning rod for this team, and is on pace to not only set some new career-highs, but could possibly etch his name into the history books.

With a batting average of .309, which was increased with a 2-3 night in a 12-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, and 11 home runs, the 28-year-old is leading this team at the plate. What is the most interesting stat line he has right now, is his runs batted in, which is at 23 through 27 games.

That means Hoerner is on pace for a scorching 138 RBIs, which is nearly double his career-high, 68, that he set back in 2023. He could even gain some National League Most Valuable Player votes this season.

In terms of the Cubs long and historic record book, 138 RBIs would be a tie for the ninth-most in a single season. It would join Sammy Sosa, and his 138 RBIs in 2000.

Hoerner is going to have to keep up this pace, as the Cubs are off to a fantastic start. They are near the top team in the National League Central, with a record of 17-10. They trail the Cincinnati Reds by one game. Over the last 10 games, this Cubs squad is a scorching 9-1.

Can Hoerner keep up this historic pace, and will the Cubs to a second straight playoff appearance?

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