NL Central: Opening Weekend takeaways

Chicago Cubs 

Craig Counsell did a lot of mixing and matching in his first weekend as the Cubs manager, but there was at least one clear winner and loser to emerge from the team’s series against the Rangers. Nico Hoerner (2B/SS, CHC) falls into the latter category. After hitting either first or second in the lineup for all but two plate appearances in 2023, he’s hit seventh in each of the team’s first two games against right-handed pitching. He did retain the leadoff role against left-handed starters. While the numbers from 2023 need to be taken in the context of a different manager, they do shed light on how much potential value Hoerner could lose with this swap. The leadoff hitters combined to earn 764 plate appearances in 2023...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Could Jeff Hoffman eventually move back into the closer role in his new home? Plus, Joey Bart power upside, Kyle Manzardo's future, and other post-deadline observations from around the division.
Aug 6 2026 3:06am
With the trade deadline behind us, the Angels have a new catching option in Moisés Ballesteros.
Aug 5 2026 3:05am
Has Kristian Campbell's resurgent July put him on the radar for a return to the majors? Plus, SP depth in TB, BAL catching woes, and more.
Aug 4 2026 3:05am
We take a look at the closer situation in Arizona and potential prospect call-ups in Colorado and San Francisco, among other veterans throughout the NL West.
Aug 1 2026 3:06am

Tools