Third baseman Kris Bryant tore up spring training with the Chicago Cubs as he hit nine home runs, but the Cubs made a surprising decision to option him to Triple-A.
Sports video app
Chicago Cubs demote power-hitting 3B Kris Bryant and other prospects to minors
Chicago Cubs hire former All-Star Manny Ramirez as hitting consultant
The Cubs did this so that Bryant can have another year on his rookie contract due to spending the first couple of weeks in the minor leagues, and their team has gotten off to a respectable start with a 5-3 record.
They are tied for first place in the National League Central with the St. Louis Cardinals, and they will now have the star third baseman in their lineup as they have called him up.
A team is allowed to retain a player’s rights if he spends more than 11 days in the minors, giving him an extra year before he becomes a free agent. This means the Cubs have Bryant locked in until 2021.
Bryant hit another three home runs while hitting .321 in the beginning of his season with Triple-A Iowa, and he will bat cleanup for the Cubs as their lineup looks to gain more power with his arrival.
The 2013 No. 2 overall pick was named the minor league player of the year in 2014 after hitting .325 with 43 home runs and 110 RBIs.
Bryant and outfielder Jorge Soler will reunite in the Cubs lineup as they look to put together memorable rookie seasons while second baseman Javier Baez and shortstop Addison Russell continue in the minors.
COMMENTS