Chicago Cubs: Three unexpected designated hitters candidates

Chicago Cubs’ David Bote

David Bote has been a bit of an up-and-down performer during his time as a big leaguer, but he took a step forward in 2019 with a 106 wRC+ and an increased walk rate up over 12 percent. Bote has come up in the clutch multiple times already in his short career, most notable was the walk-off grand slam against the Washington Nationals in 2018. Other moments include walking off the Diamondbacks, hitting a game-tying home run against Arizona, hitting a walk-off home run against the Reds, and the list goes on.

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Bote is a player that loves the big moment, and he comes through a lot of the time. You find a place for that in a lineup, regardless of how much they struggle or how bad the slumps are. Bote has gotten better both years since being called up to the big leagues, and like Happ, he was another guy that could have been primed for a breakout year in 2020.

However, Bote has three young children at home, and he may opt to sit out the season to keep his family healthy. Nobody knows who will sit and who won’t at this point, and it’s something to watch leading up to the season. The fact that all the players made their way to Chicago for camp indeed leads you to believe they would all play.

Bote is a lot like Happ in terms of versatility, he saw time at second, third, shortstop, and in the outfield last year. Bote has also played a touch of first base in his career. He may not be as necessary in the field during the shortened year because of Nico Hoerner, and players like Hernan Perez, along with Kipnis.

If Ross still wants to get Bote out there with his bat, then the DH role may be his best fit, but that’s why Ross is the manager, and we are just fans who cheer the team on. His power is budding as well, and if it keeps growing, then he will be an even more useful weapon for the team, whether as a starter or off the bench.

I don’t think Bote being the DH would be completely unexpected, but he’s just not the first name people would think of. He has built a track record with his bat, and the Cubs should be doing everything they can to try and get in the lineup daily.