Nico Hoerner’s Clutch Gene: Second-Highest Batting Average with RISP in Cubs History
When it comes to delivering in the clutch, few Chicago Cubs players have done it better than Nico Hoerner.
The young infielder has officially etched his name into the franchise’s record books, boasting the second-highest batting average with runners in scoring position (RISP) in Cubs history. Let’s take a look at the elite company he’s keeping:
- Mark Grace – .315 AVG
- Nico Hoerner – .312 AVG
- Aramis Ramirez – .311 AVG
- Derrek Lee – .308 AVG
Let that sink in. Hoerner’s .312 average in pressure-packed situations is better than fan favorites and franchise legends like Ramirez and Lee—two guys known for their ability to change a game with one swing.
And this isn’t just a fluke. Hoerner’s plate discipline, contact ability, and baseball IQ make him a consistent threat when it matters most. He doesn’t chase. He doesn’t panic. He puts the ball in play—and he does it with purpose.
For a Cubs team that has often struggled with situational hitting in recent seasons, Hoerner’s presence is a much-needed stabilizer in the lineup. He’s become the kind of guy you want at the plate with the game on the line.
Sure, Mark Grace still holds the top spot, but Hoerner is breathing down his neck. And considering how much runway Nico still has in his career, don’t be surprised if he takes that #1 spot in the near future.
In an era dominated by strikeouts and power swings, Hoerner is proving that clutch contact hitting still matters—and it can be historic.