Nico Hoerner Snubbed from MLB’s Top 100 List – And It Makes No Sense
Every offseason brings its fair share of debates, and few things stir the pot quite like a Top 100 players list. MLB Network just dropped its latest version, and while the Chicago Cubs are well represented, there’s one glaring omission that’s hard to ignore – Nico Hoerner didn’t make the cut.
Let’s start with who did make the list for the Cubs. Newcomer Alex Bregman landed at No. 35, a fair spot considering his All-Star campaign in 2025, even if a quad strain sidelined him for a chunk of the season. Then there’s Pete Crow-Armstrong at No. 40 – a touch low for a guy who just posted a 30/30 season and took home a Gold Glove in center field, but understandable given his second-half slump.
Michael Busch (No. 67) and Seiya Suzuki (No. 77), the Cubs’ top home run hitters in 2025, also earned spots. And for those keeping tabs on former Cubs, Kyle Tucker (No. 21) and Cody Bellinger (No. 43) made appearances as well.
All in all, not a bad showing for the North Siders. You could make a case for Ian Happ or even Matthew Boyd sneaking onto the back end of the list, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Cade Horton becomes a regular fixture on these rankings as soon as next year.
But let’s get to the real head-scratcher: Where is Nico Hoerner?
This isn’t just a mild snub. This is a “did someone forget to hit Ctrl+F before submitting the final list?”
kind of omission. Hoerner isn’t a borderline case.
He’s not a “maybe next year” guy. He’s already there – and has been.
In 2025, Hoerner put together a season that checks every box: elite defense, consistent contact, speed, and sneaky value. He earned his second career Gold Glove at second base, slashed .297/.345/.394, and posted a 109 wRC+.
He swiped 29 bags, rarely struck out, and led the league in batting average against left-handed pitching. And here’s the kicker – his 4.8 fWAR was the best among all second basemen last season.
Better than Ketel Marte (No. 19).
Better than Brice Turang (No. 62).
Both of whom did make the list.
So what gives?
It’s one thing to debate rankings – that’s the whole point of lists like these. But leaving Hoerner out entirely?
That’s not a matter of opinion. That’s a miss.
A big one.
Hoerner’s game might not be flashy in the traditional sense. He’s not launching 40 homers or flipping bats into orbit.
But his value is undeniable. He’s a throwback player in the best way – a contact machine with elite defensive instincts and the kind of baseball IQ that doesn’t show up in highlight reels but wins games.
He’s the glue guy every contending team needs, and the Cubs are lucky to have him.
Even amid swirling trade rumors, Hoerner remains one of the most complete players in the league at his position. He’s the type of player who makes a Top 100 list feel legitimate.
Leaving him off? That just raises questions about the whole exercise.
Maybe MLB Network will revisit the list. Maybe they’ll offer an explanation. But until then, Cubs fans – and baseball fans who value defense, consistency, and all-around excellence – have every right to be scratching their heads.
Because when you’re listing the best players in baseball, and Nico Hoerner’s name isn’t on it? You’re not just overlooking a good player. You’re missing one of the best at his position.
