Cubs: Potential depth players impressing this spring

Cubs: David Bote will play – the question is where and when

Cubs fans know by now what utilityman David Bote is capable of doing. He is able to play all over the infield when needed and can contribute with the bat. Bote can get on base and drive the ball out of the ballpark when needed. While “clutch” is kind of an arbitrary stat, he has come up with some huge hits in his Cubs career.

This spring he is hitting .306/.375/.694 with three home runs, three doubles and 1.069 OPS. He recently had a multi-home run game against the Reds on March 21. The ball has been exploding off the bat and the approach has looked very good.

Bote so far in his MLB career sports as .240/.338/.415 slash with 24 home runs and .753 OPS in 246 games. Right now on the depth chart he is listed primarily as a second baseman, but it looks like Nico Hoerner will make the roster as well.

He will still get his fair share of playing time at different positions, and having that versatility is nice. If Bote is not in the starting lineup he is one of the first people off the bench in a pinch-hit situation.