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Overreaction or reality: A closer look at 3 Cubs' spring training performances
Entering week two of spring training, the Chicago Cubs have had quite a few surprise performances through this juncture. How many of those can be deemed an overreaction or a reality remains to be seen at this point, but we certainly have plenty to go off of, given certain players' track records. For the Cubs, those who are overperforming at the moment deserve a long look because anybody that can step up right now and surprise us is paramount to the team's success.
Some of the performances we've seen in spring training are a facade, while others you should expect to see continue flourishing for many reasons. Going down the list of players on the Cubs roster, let's glance over three in particular and decide if their current performances should be deemed an overreaction or a reality, starting with David Bote.
Overreaction or reality: A closer look at 3 Chicago Cubs spring training performances - David Bote
When David Bote recorded his 8th spring training hit, he continued his impressive hot streak, becoming the current hits leader in the Cactus League. Last season, Bote recorded a decent slash of .259/.315/.431 in the 41 games (116 ABs) he appeared in. Previously, however, he had only managed a .200/.285/.353 between 2020 and 2021, suitable for wRC+s of 92 and 66, respectively. Defensively, in his most considerable sample size, Bote recorded a 0.983 FPCT between 2B and 3B, which substantially improved from the 0.948% he recorded in a smaller sample size the year prior.
The idea of Bote tearing it up at the MLB level is something the Cubs would welcome with open arms. His slash of .615/.688/1.842 will fizzle out at some point, but if he can manage at least 110 wRC+, he deserves another shot at the big-league level, assuming someone else is underperforming. His ZiPS aren't the kindest, projecting him for a .222/.297/.354/85 wRC+, but the good thing for the Cubs is they have all of Bote, Christopher Morel, Nelson Velazquez, and Patrick Wisdom, who all still have minor-league options remaining and can be moved around somewhat if needed.
Verdict: Overreaction
Overreaction or reality: A closer look at 3 Chicago Cubs spring training performances - Trey Mancini
When the Cubs signed Trey Mancini this past winter, I was pleasantly surprised because I still believe he has plenty left in the tank. Although his poor 2nd half in 2022 with Houston gave him an overall down season, Mancini has still registered a .263/.337/.456 collectively since 2019, appearing in no less than 143 games per season. He recorded just 18 home runs last year, but with any resurgence, there's no reason to believe he can't still be a 20+ HR hitter at Wrigley Field.
Mancini is off to a hot start this spring with a line of .538/.571/.769, 1 HR, and 2 RBIs. His role has become ever more vital with Seiya Suzuki sidelined for the foreseeable future, so this is precisely what the doctor ordered. I see no reason that a poor showing in the 2nd half of 2022 should automatically exclude any optimism regarding what he can bring to the table. I'm all-in on Mancini having a bounce-back season.
Verdict: Reality
Overreaction or reality: A closer look at 3 Chicago Cubs spring training performances - Nick Madrigal
When Nick Madrigal was acquired via trade for Craig Kimbrel, the general sense was that the Cubs were getting a professional contact hitter that could be a pivotal piece to the team moving forward. He had career marks of .361/.422/.502 in college, .309/.371/.394 in the minors, and .317/.358/.406 in the majors in 313 career at-bats to that point before the trade. After a hamstring tear cut his 2021 short, he was again hindered by injuries in 2022, limiting him to only 59 games.
Next. Kris Bryant wishing nothing but success for the Chicago Cubs. dark
This spring, Madrigal is slashing .400/.400/.467 with 3 RBIs and a stolen base. We're still getting used to the idea of him being able to field third base, but so far, it's gone off without a hitch. Where Madrigal's 0.996 FPCT was something to note in 2022, even at a secondary position, he could still be the best defensive option the Cubs currently have at the hot corner. The key now is simply staying healthy and getting into his rhythm offensively. The truth is, he always had the potential to be an everyday hitter.
Verdict: Reality