3 Things Cubs Fans Need to Know About Nico Hoerner

To say that Nico Hoerner has meant a great deal to the Chicago Cubs and their fans since his call-up from Triple-A earlier in the week wouldn't even begin to describe his contributions.

The 22-year-old boasts a world of potential, but with only having a few big league games under his belt, Wrigley Field devotees probably don't know much about him. Here are three things Cubs fans need to know about the 2018 first-round (24th overall) pick fresh off homering on the first pitch he ever saw at Wrigley Field.

3. He Can Flash the Leather

Javy Baez left some MASSIVE shoes to fill at shortstop as he deals with a thumb injury, and Hoerner has filled in admirably, providing 35.1 innings of errorless baseball. He might not provide Baez-caliber web gems, but he'll get the job done, something that Joe Maddon and Co. will be perfectly fine with.

2. Lots of 'Experts' Thought Cubs Reached for Him in the Draft

Hoerner was Chicago's top pick in last year's draft, and a lot of pundits around MLB described it to be an audacious selection with Javy Baez set to man the shortstop position for the next decade-plus. Well, Hoerner has proven a profusion of his doubters wrong with his exceptional play in Double-A, indicating he was indeed worthy of first-round prospect status. You might just be looking at Addison Russel's immediate replacement.

1. He Can Definitely Swing the Stick

Through the first four games of his big league career, Hoerner has been scorching hot, logging a more-than respectable slash line of .333/.412/.467, including a triple and four RBI. Throughout his time in the minors (337 at bats), he hit .297 to go with 19 doubles, 28 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. He only clubbed 5 dingers across that span, however.