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Recalled to the Majors, Can Cubs’ Bote Return to Big League Form?

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Cubs
By Ethan Duer | Last updated 9/3/22

In 2019, it appeared that Chicago Cubs infielder David Bote would be an organizational cornerstone on the diamond for years to come.

Three years later, Bote has still not given up on that sentiment.

Fully healthy, and freshly added to the major league roster as a September call-up, the 29-year-old infielder has a chance to prove his veteran worth to the club in the final weeks of the season.

After injuries barraged his 2021 (dislocated shoulder, right ankle sprain) and led to a delayed start to his 2022 (shoulder surgery), the infielder has a chance to find his footing again in the Major Leagues after spending most of the year with Triple-A Iowa,

While there may have been other deserving minor leaguers for which to offer a September promotion, Bote has the major league history to support his return to the show.

In 2019, his career-best season, the 2012 18th-round pick carried a .257 average across 127 games. In 303 at-bats, he also knocked a career-high 17 doubles and 11 home runs.

His .784 OPS was the eighth-highest that year out of all National League second basemen (min. 300 PAs).

Although slotted as a backup, the former 15th-ranked Chicago prospect's versatility across multiple infield positions offered him a chance to find playing time.

Now, after playing a stretch of 21 games at the Major League level this season once returning from injury, lackluster offensive figures saw Bote optioned to Triple-A in early August.

While his .252 batting average, .704 OPS, and 36 hits in 38 games with Iowa this season don’t exactly jump off the page, the Colorado native has offered some figures of encouragement.

Bote’s .320 BABIP this year with Iowa is the highest we’ve seen since his first rise through the organization in 2016, and his 24.4% K percentage is the sixth lowest amongst any of his Triple-A teammates (min. 140 PAs).

He also has the second-highest pull percentage on the team (54.3%), higher than any pull figure he’s posted in the majors.

As he rejoins the major league roster, the career .229 hitter has a chance to prove his worth yet again to the Chicago organization. Perhaps now, fully healthy and primed for a return, Bote can flourish back on the game’s biggest stage.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Cubs and was syndicated with permission.

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