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The Chicago Cubs vs. Kris Bryant

By Jordan Wevers

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Top prospect? Check. Playing for a franchise that needs to boost morale? Check. Controversy over whether the player in question should be on the 25-man roster for Opening Day? Check. All of these examples help to paint a clearer picture surrounding Kris Bryant and his Chicago Cubs.

But are they really his Cubs if there’s already tension in spring training surrounding his development? Plenty of Cubs fans probably don’t think so.

Even noted sports journalists are voicing their opinion on social media.

And then there are his fellow MLB players who will likely one day have to face Bryant in competition speaking up.

Bryant is only at odds with the Cubs organization based on perception, of course. A lot of that attributed to social media. Vocally, the 23-year old standout is doing just fine with his situation and expectations. If he does start the season in Triple-A, the Cubs have an extra year of service time to gain from the move. Bryant would also become arbitration eligible a year later as well, though if he mashes as a pro, the Cubs will likely sign him to an extension at some point.

In terms of being roadblocked, if you want to call it that, Bryant does have Mike Olt ahead of him on the depth chart at third base. This is why he has been logging some practice time shagging fly balls from the outfield with expected in-game innings to follow. Olt is only 26 and still has real potential in a MLB lineup. The Texas Rangers — much like they did with Chris Davis — probably gave up on Olt too early. He is quietly doing his part in spring training as well to prove his worth, slashing .267/.405/.500 with two home runs and five RBI. Olt is also leading the club with seven free passes this spring.

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But no one can overlook Bryant’s massive swing. With that comes his monstrous potential, a metaphorical testament to his 6-foot-5, 215 pound frame. Bryant swatted 43 combined home runs last year across Double and Triple-A. Add to that a .325 batting average and it’s laughable that Byron Buxton is ranked the top prospect in the land by both MLB.com and Baseballprospectus.com. At least MLB.com shows Bryant some respect at No. 2, but Baseball Prospectus has him down all the way at No. 5 and No. 2 as a Cubs prospect.

Buxton is considered a five-tool player. He is two years younger than Bryant, but appears to be far from pro ready. He slashed only .240/.313/.405 in 121 at-bats with the High-A Fort Myers Miracles in 2014, his second full season in the minors. Buxton is hitting only .125/.300/.125 in limited spring-time action. Bryant is leading spring ball in home runs with eight, or averaging a long shot every 3.125 at-bats — a simply insane number.

While the Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs and players union articles and opinions are guaranteed to be a hot button topic until a decision is made, ultimately, manager Joe Maddon and his boss Theo Epstein will have the final say. Given both of their track records and the inevitable arrival of Bryant to soon join the youth movement at Wrigley Field, should Cubs fans really be complaining?

Next: Cubs' Edwin Jackson has worst MLB contract at position

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