Chicago Cubs: David Bote looks to step up in Kris Bryant’s absence

 The Chicago Cubs lost Kris Bryant to the 10-day DL this week. With their former MVP third baseman on the shelf, David Bote becomes an important piece.

First things first, David Bote is by no means Kris Bryant. No one can possibly expect him to be. He isn’t capable of single-handedly filling his shoes from a production standpoint and doesn’t have a strong presence in a lineup like Bryant does.

With that said, Bote has proven to be a reliable bat in the Chicago Cubs system despite limited time with the big-league club. In fact, Bote has shown to be one of the best, at least one of the most powerful hitters in Iowa this season. In his time in the minors. The infielder leads Iowa with 12 home runs and 38 RBI.

Bote looks to make an impact with his powerful bat.

Those numbers may not translate immediately to the big-league level but it is an encouraging sign. Bote already has some major league experience as he was called up twice this season due to injuries.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Bote made his MLB debut when he was first called up on April 21 to spell Ben Zobrist. In his first at-bat he laced a double to center field.

It’s an extremely small sample size of nine games with the Cubs but Bote holds a .261 batting average. He has recorded six hits and five RBI in his limited 23 at-bats.

I would expect Bote to get most of his time at second base as that’s his primary position, with Javier Baez sliding over to man the hot corner. Tommy La Stella will also likely see more playing time with Bryant’s absence from the lineup.

So, while we all of course want Bryant to come back as quickly and healthy as possible, Bote is more than capable of holding his own over the next couple of the weeks.

If Bote performs well, he could possibly be used as a trade chip to help bolster the Cubs bullpen down the stretch this season. If he isn’t dealt, he could be an important piece down the road in September when the rosters expand.