Chicago Cubs: Examining the best draft picks of the decade

David Bote, SS – 2012 Amateur draft, Round 18 Pick 554

That guy in the picture is an 18th round selection. It is clear now that David Bote is no longer a shortstop. However, when the Cubs drafted him out of a small community college in Kansas, it was a primary position and one which brand new President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein could hopefully exploit as late-round talent.

Bote experienced a meteoric debut to the show; however, it was not without growing pains. From his first year in 2012 until 2018, Bote experienced all levels of Minor League Baseball and the beauty it has to offer.

After making his debut in April of 2018, Bote slashed his way to a ridiculous .340/.431/.528 line with a 156 wRC+ over his first 65 plate appearances. He would, unfortunately, come back to earth in the final two months of the season, but find himself as a catalyst for one of the most amazing moments in Cubs history.

With the bases loaded and two outs, Bote stepped to the plate as a pinch-hitter. Behind 3-0 in the bottom half of the ninth and down to his last strike, the 26-year-old right-hander launched a towering fly ball into center field and onto the roof ending it in style.

Sure, Bote is not an eye-popping selection. It is essential to acknowledge the late-round talent, though, and Bote is someone who has made an impact for the Cubs and thus deserves to be on this list.