Ever since outfielder Dexter Fowler’s departure in 2016 after winning the World Series, the Chicago Cubs have not had a consistent, prototypical leadoff hitter. They have tried out several guys at that spot each year; some have worked out, and others haven’t. Since the middle of July last season, first baseman Michael Busch has been the Cubs’ primary leadoff hitter when they are facing a right-handed starting pitcher that is. But when the Cubs face a left-handed starting pitcher, manager Craig Counsell likes to slot in a right-handed bat to counter. Counsell gave that first opportunity to second baseman Nico Hoerner, and not only should he remain the leadoff hitter against lefties, but he should also be the Cubs’ everyday leadoff hitter no matter who is pitching.

Hoerner’s first shot this season

On Wednesday, the Cubs faced off against left-hander Yusei Kikuchi and the Los Angeles Angels with Hoerner inserted into the leadoff spot. He didn’t get a hit in his opening at bat as he fouled out to first, but he went 3-5 on the day with a run scored and an RBI. Two of Hoerner’s hits turned out to be back-to-back doubles in the third and fourth innings off Kikuchi. It was Hoerner’s best game of the season at the plate, bumping his batting average up to a team-leading .318.

Hoerner has been in this spot before

Now, I’m simply not overreacting to Hoerner having one great performance in his first game, hitting in the leadoff spot this season. Frankly, the 28-year-old has plenty of experience as the Cubs’ leadoff hitter. Since 2020, Hoerner has appeared as the Cubs’ leadoff hitter in 160 games. He got his best chances in 2023 and 2024, leading off 74 and 65 times, respectively. Hitting at the top of the lineup, Hoerner has posted a .282 batting average to go along with a .327 on-base percentage. Both marks are better than what Busch has put together since last season, as he’s hitting .235 and getting on-base at a .313 clip.

Hoerner is a prototypical leadoff hitter

For me, it’s not even about the numbers as much, or comparing Hoerner to Busch, or anyone else who could bat leadoff. Hoerner just has the makeup of everything you want in a leadoff hitter. With Hoerner at the plate, you know you’re getting a professional at-bat every time. He’s going to work counts, he’s going to foul off pitches, he’s going to battle and make pitchers work. Hoerner has one of the best eyes in baseball and is one of the hardest hitters to strike out. He posted a 7.6 percent strikeout rate last season, striking out just 49 times in 649 plate appearances.

Not to mention, Hoerner is the Cubs’ best contact hitter on the team, and batting him leadoff gives him more at-bats and plate appearances. Batting him leadoff also brings his speed and base stealing into play. This season, Hoerner already has four stolen bases, while last year he was second on the team with 29. With Hoerner at the top of the lineup, you’re just creating a better opportunity to create and score more runs. I think that’s exactly what you’re looking for out of your leadoff hitter and why Hoerner is the right guy for the job.