Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant heating up in the clutch

Despite criticism from fans, Chicago Cubs slugger Kris Bryant has come up clutch in some big ‘clutch’ moments to this point in the second half.

One of the big issues the Chicago Cubs had in the first half of the season was hitting with runners in scoring position. With a team average of .242, the Cubs ranked near the bottom of baseball with the likes of Toronto and Detroit. One of the main contributors to that low average was Kris Bryant.

Batting .297 through the first half, the Chicago standout had secured his third All-Star appearance and seemed to be back in form. However, with an average of .200 with runners in scoring position, we saw a star that was not quite himself, despite the overall numbers that were very solid.

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Safe to say, Bryant has turned over a new leaf this second half when he comes up with runners in scoring position, improving his overall average in that category to .276 with 34 RBI. This has been a huge bump for a Cubs team that has improved their team average with RISP to .257, up to 13th in all of baseball.

It’s also worth noting that Bryant is batting .289 with runners in scoring position and two outs, along with a “late and close (per Baseball Reference)” average of .310. He has always been someone who the Cubs can count on in high leverage moments, and the numbers are starting to tell us just that.

Sure, Bryant’s total batting average in the second half is .279, down 18 points from his first-half total, but if he starts to add to his stat line with men on, I’d 100 percent take the slight dip in average.

Watching Bryant activate his clutch genes on Sunday at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati was a huge sign for everyone around this team. At times it does feel like the third baseman hits a lot of singles and draws a lot of walks, which is great, but that “it” factor that makes KB the MVP he is at the plate has seemed missing.

Watching him give the Cubs a late lead with a three-run-homer, ultimately leading the team to a rare road win and series split, was nothing short of massive as the stretch starts to heat up.

Adding Nicholas Castellanos to the lineup has certainly benefited Bryant in a big way. With Castellanos batting .370 with a .408 on-base percentage since joining the team, this production in front of Bryant in the lineup has paved the way for the slugger to have many opportunities. Not only that, but a lot of focus has been placed on Castellanos from the pitcher’s side, definitely taking some pressure off Bryant.

Along with Bryant, this whole lineup has arguably benefited from the Castellanos trade, and it seems like everyone is starting to heat up. Since the deadline, the Cubs are 8-4, with 60 runs scored for an average of five runs per game. To be 8-4 with all the bullpen injuries that have piled up is impressive, and shows us that this offense may be ready to carry the weight.

Bryant has the clutch gene in his system, and it’s taken a bit of time for that to show itself this season, but we are finally starting to see it. With the Cubs hanging on to a tight lead in the division, having the stars play like stars is the first need in the clubhouse. We are starting to get the best out of Bryant, and with a few short months left in the season, I am here for it.