Cubs’ Nico Hoerner doesn’t feel pressure of new contract

The Cubs showed second baseman Nico Hoerner the money, and he’s showing them it hasn’t affected him in the least.In fact, the 28-year-old Hoerner — who signed a $141 million contract extension on Opening Day — is demonstrating an even better version of himself since signing for six more years on the North Side. He hit his second home run in the last two games (and third of the season) and added two singles and a diving defensive play in the Cubs’ 12-4 romp Friday against the Mets at Wrigley Field. In his last 11 games, Hoerner is batting .380 with three homers and 17 RBI.Hoerner wouldn’t be the first player whose numbers were affected by new money. But it’s certainly not making him complacent, and there are no signs of him succumbing to pressure to perform better.‘‘No matter where you’re at in your career, there is always going to be a next thing, right?’’ Hoerner told the Sun-Times. ‘‘Whether it’s debuting, being a starter, making an All-Star team, free agency, there’s always going to be a trap or the next thing you’re always putting pressure on yourself for. For myself, I’m still coming to terms with it, but I have an understanding of what it means for me. It’s a responsibility and accountability in a good way.’’Don’t think the contract and everything that goes with it hasn’t crossed his mind, and Hoerner is no shallow thinker.‘‘It does feel different,’’ he said. ‘‘Whether it’s pressure, responsibility, accountability or opportunity, there…

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