Nico Hoerner: Struggling Cubs need to keep focus inward, block out external narratives

(670 The Score) Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is keeping his mindset simple as the club struggles and the trade deadline looms on July 30.

“It’s definitely another layer to the challenges of not performing how you want to, right?” Hoerner said on the Parkins & Spiegel Show on Tuesday regarding trade speculation. “I think July in general can be a challenging month as far as outside narratives, if you let it, whether it’s All-Star Game stuff or even the All-Star break. It’s a good thing to have rest, but it’s just a different factor. And then obviously, the time leading up to the trade deadline, as we saw last year and previous years here, are pretty memorable one way or another.”

Hoerner’s name has popped up in a few trade rumors externally in recent days, though no reporting has indicated that the Cubs have any desire to move him or that they’ve engaged in any such discussions. With the Cubs languishing at 39-46, the conversation is naturally turning to whether they could be sellers at the trade deadline.

“From a personal standpoint, obviously, I want to be in Chicago,” Hoerner said. “I love playing here. I don’t think there’s a whole lot I can do about that end of it right now other than putting us in a spot where we’re not trading players.”

The Cubs open a three-game series against the Phillies on Tuesday evening at Wrigley Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. CT, and the game can be heard on 670 The Score or by downloading the Audacy app. Pregame coverage will start at 6:30 p.m.

“Our mentality is much more so on the things we have around us now and less looking outside,” Hoerner said.