3 most impressive Cubs spring training performances so far

A little over a week of Cactus League action can hardly be used as a referendum on which players should make the Opening Day roster cut - but, on the other hand, you can't simply ignore strong showings, either.

When it comes to the Chicago Cubs, there have been quite a few guys who've gotten off to hot starts early on in spring training, with three standing above the rest. As we gear up for another week of game action and the WBC, let's look at the 3 most impressive Cubs spring training performances to this point.

3 most impressive Cubs spring training performances - #3: David Bote

The shine has wore off David Bote pretty quickly, especially once Theo Epstein departed and Jed Hoyer took over the show. Bote, who turns 30 next month, still has this year and next left on the extension he signed with the Cubs - and it has a pair of team options for 2025 and 2026, too.

After being outrighted off the 40-man this winter, Bote is now faced with the prospect of scratching and clawing his way back into an already crowded infield picture. I opined last week he could be a fit for a team like the Dodgers, who are searching for infield depth in the wake of Gavin Lux's season-ending knee injury but, for now, Bote remains a Cub.

And, to this point, he's making the most of every at-bat, going 7-for-11 with an 1.874 OPS, spraying the ball all over the diamond. After the Dansby Swanson signing that forced Nico Hoerner back to second, it's hard to see how Bote will make the cut. Even at third, the Cubs seem likely to platoon Patrick Wisdom and Edwin Rios, with Nick Madrigal also factoring in at all three positions. Still, the guy has been red-hot to start the spring - there's no doubt about that.