The day has arrived for Chicago Cubs fans. Kris Bryant is here.
Today I got to tell my family that my dream is coming true. Can't really put into words what that feels like. So excited for this journey!
— Kris Bryant (@KrisBryant_23) April 17, 2015
After having a monster spring training, the Cubs’ third base prospect was sent to Triple A Iowa for the start of the season. In a perfect world, Bryant earned his spot on the roster. However, there were more circumstances than just the player. Sending Bryant down to the minors saved Chicago a year of service time.
Kris Bryant (23 years, 103 days) will be the youngest player to start & bat clean-up in his MLB debut since Justin Morneau (22, 26) in 2003
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) April 17, 2015
Bryant will bat cleanup for the Cubs in his major league debut. He will take over for third baseman Mike Olt, who the team placed on the disabled list.
Bryant had a slow start to his Iowa season but has heated up of late, hitting .321 on the season and has hit three home runs since Sunda .
After hitting his third home run in New Orleans last night, he was given the call to the big leagues post game.
Bryant was named the 2014 Minor League Player of the Year after he hit .325 with 43 home runs and 110 RBIs between the Iowa Cubs and the Double A Tennessee Smokies.
Having Bryant recalled today is a surprise to almost nobody seeing this is the exact date he could be recalled and the Cubs would save a year of time. However, the decision was met with much controversy, even from his agent Scott Boras. Many have questioned the integrity of sending down a player who earned a roster spot, including our own editor a few weeks back.
Second baseman Tommy La Stella is also on the disabled list so the Cubs were limited on infielders. One has to wonder if these injuries occurred earlier in the season if they would still recall Bryant.
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The Cubs have actually had a decent start to the season with a 5-3 record. They are tied for first place in the NL Central and have hit somewhat well.
Another good thing about Bryant joining the Cubs lineup and batting cleanup is that he will become solid protection for first baseman Anthony Rizzo who is their third batter. If Bryant hits as he is expected to, it should help Rizzo tremendously.
Bryant’s first game in the majors will come this afternoon when the Cubs take on the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. The first pitcher that Bryant will face in the big leagues? James Shields.
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