Chicago Cubs: A look at prospect David Bote

One of the Chicago Cubs lesser-known farm hands has impressed early on in Spring Training. A further look at the kid may reveal if he has any value with the big league club.

Spring training always reveals some potential hidden gems in the farm system. Or at least guys that may have a role in the majors in the future. One guy of interest is Chicago Cubs farmhand David Bote, a 24-year old utility man. He has not been a guy that has gotten a lot of attention on the farm even after the call-ups of the current core the past three years.

Though Bote’s spring sample size is small, he has hit some balls on the rope including and RBI triple in the gap. Looking at his minor league numbers, he has had some attention-worthy seasons at the plate. Baseball America ranked him the Cubs 26th top prospect after the 2016 season.

Is Bote a guy to look out for in 2018? It is possible, the numbers in the minors have looked solid. He may have a shot if he continues to play well in the minors to start 2018.

David Bote’s resume

Bote was drafted by the Cubs in the 18th round of the 2012 draft out of Neosho County Community College. He began playing in the Cubs organization at age 19 in the Arizona Fall League in 2012. Since then he has moved his way up and has played in all minor league levels.

He has had several stints in Iowa since 2014, though he still has not had a whole lot of time there total. In 16 total Triple-A games, Bote has slashed .375/.444/.563 with two home runs. 12 of his 16 career games in Iowa were during his career 2016 season when he slashed .328/.399/.492 with seven home runs in 91 games between A+, Double-A and Triple-A.

Bote spent all of 2017 in AA where he slashed .272/.353/.438 with 14 home runs. He played first base, second base, right field and left field. Most time was spent at second base. His overall MiLB career consists of a .262/.351/.400 line with 39 home runs and .751 OPS in 543 games.

Can he make an impact in the majors?

There is no doubt Bote will begin the season in the minors. Either Double-A or Triple-A most likely. Though it would not be surprising if he got a Mark Zagunis-like call up in 2018. In other words, play a few games to fill a needed game for a short time. Or perhaps a September call-up.

He is not going to be an essential future piece, but a potential depth piece. Cubs roster is already full of talent, but guys get hurt and there are times for needed reinforcements. Him being a utility man helps his chances.

Next: Are we expecting too much from Heyward?

The better he does in spring and in the minors can dictate when he possibly sees major league time in the regular season. David Bote may not be the most exciting prospect left in the Chicago Cubs farm, but he is at least a notable one.