Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports

David Bote Emerging as Cubs' Potential Bench Option, Again

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated 3/5/24

It wasn't too long ago that infielder David Bote was a solid contributor for an MLB team with playoff aspirations. But that era of Chicago Cubs baseball is in the past, and Bote finds himself on the outside looking in.

Since he hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2022, it may have been easy to forget that Bote was still with the organization. Could he make a return to the Friendly Confines in 2024?

The Cubs have some quality options battling it out for bench spots during Spring Training. Miles Mastrobuoni is a left-handed-hitting utility infielder the team likes. Nick Madrigal has expanded his versatility during his time as a Cub as well. As a non-roster invite, Bote is giving it his all as he fights an uphill battle in camp.

In 16 at-bats, Bote touts a 1.181 OPS and is tied for the lead in Spring Training home runs with three. There are still a couple of weeks to go before the regular season starts, but Bote is certainly putting his best foot forward.

Bote BLAST! pic.twitter.com/N2UOXfn72h
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 3, 2024

However, it may be difficult for the Cubs to find a spot on the 40-man roster for Bote. With all the other competitions in camp, Bote doesn't have the advantage he once enjoyed as a member of the roster. His current situation is a far cry from when he signed an extension with the team back in 2019.

If Bote can carry his hot stretch through the rest of Spring Training, it may force the Cubs to rethink their bench options to kick off the 2024 campaign. It could also mean that he's merely auditioning for a spot on his next team's big-league roster.

Regardless, Bote will always have a place in Cubs fans' hearts thanks to his walk-off grand slam against the Washington Nationals in 2018.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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