2023 Cubs Bold Predictions: Nico Hoerner Gets MVP Votes
Editor’s note: This is part of a series of MLB prediction articles from the hosts of the Pinwheels And Ivy Podcast. Our National League Rookie of the Year predictions are here and American League Rookie of the Year predictions are here. Our picks for home run leaders and strikeout leaders are here. American League Cy Young predictions are here and National League Cy Young predictions here. American League MVP pick here and National League MVP picks here. These will be our 2023 Chicago Cubs bold predictions. Subscribe to the Pinwheels And Ivy Podcast on YouTube and on your preferred podcast platform for more Cubs and White Sox talk. YouTube. Apple Podcasts. Spotify. Twitter. Facebook.
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Nico Hoerner Gets MVP Votes
KFidds: Nico Hoerner will win the National League gold glove award at second base and receive at least one MVP vote.
My thoughts: I am 100% in agreement with KFidds on the first part of his Nico Hoerner bold predictions. Back in 2020, Hoerner started at second base and was eventually named a gold glove finalist. After a splendid defensive year at shortstop, Hoerner returns to second base following the free-agent signing of Dansby Swanson, and Hoerner should be considered one of the favorites to win a gold glove in 2023.
At least one MVP vote? It’s a bold prediction for a reason. But hey, if Ryan Tepera can get one, why not Nico.
Belli Bombs Come Back in 2023
Zo: Cody Bellinger hits 30 home runs.
My thoughts: For as bad as Cody Bellinger has been at the plate the last few years, the former MVP did hit 19 home runs with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022. Back in the shortened 2020 season, Bellinger hit 12 home runs in 56 games, which was on pace for 34 home runs in a full season. If his injured shoulder is now healthy, then 30+ home runs in 2023 may very well be in the cards for Bellinger.
Trey Mancini Brings The Power
Mitch: Trey Mancini leads the Cubs in home runs.
My thoughts: Besides Cody Bellinger, no one on the Cubs roster has hit more home runs in a single season than Trey Mancini. His career high for most homers in a season is 35, which came back in 2019, when he was still with the Baltimore Orioles. That was when the balls MLB was using were extra juicy, so I would be surprised if Mancini is the Cubs leader in home runs in 2023, but if he is, then I think some things went wrong for the offense as a whole.
Cubs Sell Off, But Don’t Fall Off
Aldo: Cubs trade two starting pitchers by the trade deadline, but still finish above .500.
I’ve been talking about the Cubs pitching depth for a few months now and I’ve convinced myself that we will see more starting pitching prospects come up and succeed in the majors. Marcus Stroman and Drew Smyly both have opt-outs in their contracts following this season and Kyle Hendricks has a club option after 2023 that won’t get picked up. Those are the primary pitchers I think can get dealt. Or maybe it’s a smaller move, like trading away Adrian Sampson, but I think a few prospects will continue to rise up from the minors and Jed Hoyer will be able to pull off a couple trades to make space for them without having a huge drop off.
At the moment, pitching is this organization’s strength and the Cubs can use that to their advantage.
What are your bold predictions?
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