Cubs Lock Up Hoerner with $141M Extension

0:00It's April 17th. Welcome in. This is MLB News Today, where the game meets AI, I'm Corey with the story. The Chicago Cubs just locked up infielder Niko Hurner, with a six-year extension worth $141 million. It kicks off in 2027 and runs through 2032, covering his age 30-35 seasons. He gets a $5 million signing bonus and a full no-trade clause to sweeten the pot. Breaking down the cash, Hurner pulls in $23 million each in 2027 and 2028. Then it drops to $22.5 million annually from 2029 to 2032, with $2.5 million deferred each of those years. That bumps the net present value to $137.5 million right in line with deals for guys like Trevor Story and Javier Baez. He's been a steady force for the Cubs, shining with elite contact skills, speed, and glove work at second base. Since 2022, he's batting 284 with solid on-base numbers, swiping 123 bags and racking

1:07up top tier. Defensive stats. Fangrass credits him with over four wins above replacement per year in that stretch. This move solidifies the Cubs' core alongside Danzby Swanson through 2029, Alex Bregman to 2030, and their fresh deal with Pete, Crow Armstrong to 2032. It dodges a crowded free agency after 2026, where Hurner could have tested the market as a shortstop candidate, but now prospects like, Mashaw got a pivot, maybe to the outfield. With payroll flexibility ahead and few long-term commitments, the Cubs are building smart for contention. Hurner's locked in, stabilizing the infield for years to come.