Cubs Lock Up Hoerner with Massive Extension

0:00It's March 29, I'm Cory with the story, and this is MLB News Today, your AI-powered baseball briefing. The Chicago Cubs just locked in second-basement Nico Harner with a six-year extension worth $141 million, running through the 2032 season. This deal keeps their star-in-fielder away from free agency next year, and ranks as the fourth-largest-guaranteed contract for a second-basement ever. Here this year, they gave him his second extension after a three-year, $35 million packed before the 2023 season. Harner, a first-round pick from the 2018 draft, debuted quick and has become a defensive wizard with two gold glows already. Fans on the north side absolutely love his all-around game-a-lead defense. Speed on the bases with 29 steals last year and a 29-7 batting. Average that had him second in the National League. He barely strikes out, just 7.6% of played appearances, and led the team with 6.2 wins above replacement.

1:01Meanwhile, this pair is perfectly with their six-year deal for center-fielder Pete Crow Armstrong at $115 million, both through 2032. Add in young talents like First Basement Michael Bush and prospects in the system, and the Cubs are building a strong core for contention beyond. 2026 Harner could rack up 14 seasons in Chicago, putting him in a league company with legends like Ernie Banks and Ryan Sandbird all while leading by. We'll tour that next World Series run.