Staying the Course: Why Craig Counsell Refuses to Move a Slumping Nico Hoerner From the Top of the Order

By The New York Times Sports Desk

CHICAGO — In today’s results-driven sports world, patience is often in short supply.

A hitter struggles for a week, and fans demand changes. A lineup goes cold for a few games, and questions about batting order decisions quickly dominate conversations. Yet amid the noise surrounding the Chicago Cubs, manager Craig Counsell continues to send a clear message: he believes in Nico Hoerner.

Even as Hoerner works through a difficult stretch at the plate, Counsell has shown little interest in making a dramatic lineup adjustment. Instead, the Cubs skipper appears committed to a philosophy that has guided successful managers for decades—trust proven players, trust the process, and avoid overreacting to short-term struggles.

It’s a decision that has sparked debate among fans, but inside the organization, the reasoning appears straightforward.

More Than Just Batting Average

When fans evaluate a leadoff hitter, they often begin with one statistic: batting average.

Managers, however, tend to look much deeper.

Hoerner’s value has never been defined solely by his ability to pile up hits. His disciplined approach, baserunning instincts, defensive versatility, and ability to work competitive at-bats make him one of the most complete players on the Cubs roster.

Even during offensive slumps, those qualities remain.

A hitter may go through periods where hard-hit balls find gloves instead of gaps. Results fluctuate. Underlying performance often does not.

That distinction matters to Counsell.

Veteran managers understand that changing a lineup every time a player experiences a rough stretch can create more problems than it solves.

The Importance of Stability

One of Counsell’s greatest strengths throughout his managerial career has been consistency.

Players know where they stand.

Roles remain clearly defined.

Expectations rarely change overnight.

That stability can be particularly important for a player like Hoerner.

Leadoff hitters thrive on routine. Their preparation, mindset, and game-planning are often built around knowing exactly where they fit within the lineup.

Suddenly moving a player down the order can sometimes create unnecessary pressure rather than solving the underlying issue.

Counsell appears to believe Hoerner’s track record deserves patience.

And that belief is not without evidence.

Hoerner’s History Suggests a Turnaround Is Coming

Baseball seasons are long.

Very long.

Even elite hitters experience stretches where nothing seems to fall.

What separates successful players from struggling ones is often their ability to maintain the same approach during difficult periods.

Hoerner has built a reputation throughout his career as one of the most reliable and fundamentally sound players in baseball.

His offensive value extends beyond home runs and highlight-reel moments. He puts the ball in play, pressures defenses, creates opportunities on the bases, and consistently contributes to winning baseball.

Players with those traits rarely stay cold forever.

The Cubs know that.

Counsell certainly knows that.

The Bigger Picture for Chicago

The Cubs are focused on much larger goals than winning a single game in June or July.

They are building toward a postseason push.

That requires evaluating players over months rather than days.

A lineup decision that appears obvious from the outside can look very different when viewed through the lens of a 162-game season.

Counsell’s confidence in Hoerner reflects an understanding that long-term success often requires resisting the temptation to chase short-term solutions.

If the manager genuinely believes Hoerner remains the best option near the top of the order, changing course simply to satisfy public pressure would accomplish little.

Leadership Comes in Many Forms

Hoerner’s importance to the Cubs extends beyond his offensive numbers.

Inside the clubhouse, he has become one of the team’s most respected leaders through preparation, professionalism, and consistency.

Young players watch how veterans handle adversity.

They observe how teammates respond when results aren’t going their way.

By continuing to support Hoerner publicly and keeping him in a prominent lineup role, Counsell is sending a message to the entire roster about trust and confidence.

That message can be powerful over the course of a long season.

Betting on the Player, Not the Slump

Every manager eventually faces moments where conviction is tested.

For Craig Counsell, this may be one of those moments.

Critics see a slumping hitter at the top of the order.

Counsell appears to see something different.

He sees a player with a proven track record.

He sees elite baseball instincts.

He sees a catalyst whose value extends far beyond a temporary dip in production.

Most importantly, he sees a player capable of helping the Cubs win when the games matter most.

That is why Nico Hoerner remains exactly where he is.

And until the evidence suggests otherwise, Craig Counsell appears determined to stay the course.