Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant tore up spring training with a .425 batting average, nine home runs and 15 RBIs in just 40 at-bats.
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Despite his outstanding performance and sky-high potential, Bryant will begin the season in Triple-A.
Bryant led the minor leagues in home runs with 43 last season, and he has lived up to expectations since being selected third overall in the 2013 MLB Draft.
Mike Olt or Tommy La Stella are expected to begin the 2015 season as the Cubs’ starting third baseman, but the Cubs may have no choice but to call up Bryant if he can continue to give opposing pitchers nightmares with his slugging.
The Cubs have also optioned their other star prospects, second baseman Javier Baez and shortstop Addison Russell, to the minors.
Unlike Bryant, Baez struggled in spring training with a .173 batting average while Russell hit .324.
Baez was selected ninth overall by the Cubs in 2011 while Russell was acquired from the Oakland A’s in a trade for starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija.
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