The Cubs have attempted to retool their roster this winter in an effort to get back to the playoffs for the first time in a 162-game season since 2018. As theyve done so, one of the biggest question marks facing the team this winter has been Dominique Easley Jersey the status of second baseman . The Cubs revealed in late October that Hoerner had without providing a timeline for his return. The injury ultimately didnt stop teams such as the Mariners from on the trade market this winter as the Cubs tried to open up a spot on the infield for top prospect , but rumors of a deal died down after Chicago shipped third baseman to Houston as part of the trade. With those trade rumors seemingly a thing of the past, Hoerner figures to be in the Cubs organization on Opening Day 2025. Whether or not hell be in the lineup is another matter, however. As noted by , Hoerner discu sed his injury and rehab in detail at the Cubs Convention in Chicago earlier today. Per Montemurro, Hoerner noted that he played through the i sue throughout the 2024 campaign and that it had the largest impact on his throwing in the field. That reality is borne out in his defensive metrics last year. According to , the fielding that earned Hoerner a Gold Glove award in 2023 faltered somewhat last year. While his +10 Outs Above Average remained in this 95th percentile of all MLB fielders last year, Hoerners Fielding Run Value dipped from +11 in 2023 to +8 in 2024. Looking specifically at his arm strength, Hoerner saw his throws lose more than three ticks of velocity year-over-year as he averaged 79.1 mph on his throws in 2023 but just 75.7 mph in 2024. Given how noticeably the injury was impacting Hoerners elite work on the infield, its not nece sarily surprising that he and the Cubs are taking his rehab proce s slowly. As relayed by Montemurro, Hoerner has not yet begun a throwing program or hitting since he went under the knife back in October. With the Cubs first game of the 2025 season against the Dodgers in Tokyo just two months away, that casts some doubt on the second basemans ability to be ready for the start of Chicagos season. To that end, Montemurro reports that Hoerner not only could not answer whether or not hed be ready for the Tokyo Series in March, but also couldnt comment on whether or not hed be back on the field in time for the Cubs home opener on April 4. That leaves Hoerner mi sing at least the seasons first couple of weeks on the table, and without a clear timeline for return the po sibility of a somewhat longer absence cannot be fully ruled out. With Shaw seemingly set to take over for Paredes at third base, the clubs internal options to fill in for Hoerner currently appear to be Rule 5 draft pick and utility infielder . Those options dont exactly inspire confidence as fill-ins for Hoerner in the event hes not ready for the start of the season, so its not nece sarily a surprise that the Cubs appear to be bolstering their bench mix ahead of Spring Training. Chicago was earlier this month, and other players such as and could also make sense as depth options who could fill in for Hoerner to start the season and provide insurance in case Shaw struggles in his first taste of big league action. Antonneous Clayton Jersey