Jon Heyman: Nico Hoerner is the Cubs' best player

In this episode of the Mully & Haugh Show, MLB insider John Heyman joins the hosts to discuss the current state of several MLB teams, with a strong focus on the Chicago Cubs' surprising early-season resurgence. Heyman praises the Cubs' defensive prowess and managerial acumen under Craig Counsell, highlighting Nico Hoerner as the team's best player due to his all-around excellence and standout defensive play. Despite losing key pitchers like Kyle Hendricks and Matthew Boyd, the Cubs have maintained momentum with strong bullpen depth and balanced offensive contributions from players like rookie Moises Ballesteros and versatile hitters across the lineup. Heyman contrasts the Cubs' stability with the turmoil in New York, where the Mets face mounting pressure after an 11-game losing streak, with speculation swirling about manager Carlos Mendoza’s future and potential replacements like Carlos Beltran—though Heyman dismisses Beltran’s candidacy due to his past involvement in the Astros cheating scandal. He also critiques the Mets’ front office for poor roster decisions, particularly the departure of Pete Alonso, and notes the broader trend of teams relying on bullpen strength and player balance over superstar talent. The conversation concludes with reflections on how quickly teams can turn around, citing historical examples like the 2017 Dodgers and 2023 Guardians, and underscores that Memorial Day often serves as a key benchmark for evaluating a team’s true potential.