Chicago Cubs: For the Cubbies, it’s “who’s on second?”
By Bill Felber
The favorite
There are several reasons why Bote is viewed as the likely starter for now.
Bote started 28 games at second in 2019, more than any player except Russell or Descalso. Based on recent track record, he also appears to have the best offensive credentials. Since being called up in mid-season 2018, he has a .251 average with 17 home runs and a 99 OPS+.
If those sound like underwhelming offensive credentials for a favorite in a big-league positional battle, well, you haven’t seen the rest of the field yet. More on that presently.
Defensively, the picture is muddy. Bote came up as a third baseman at a time when that position belonged to Kris Bryant by divine right. He only got a chance due to an injury to Bryant. In 2019, Bryant started 46 games at third in addition to his 28 starts at second.
Related Story. Cubs: Kris Bryant loses service time grievance. light
Yet his defensive numbers at second weren’t all that bad. They included 18 defensive runs saved – best on the team – and a .971 fielding average.
Throw that in with a .257 batting average and 103 OPS+ and you have at minimum a serviceable major league starter who, entering his age 27 season, might blossom.
The big unknown with respect to Bote is Bryant. If the Chicago Cubs trade him, then Bote moves back to third base and the fight for time at second intensifies.
Likelihood of Bote as the opening day starter at second base: 65 percent.