The Chicago Cubs recalled a fan favorite from Triple-A Iowa earlier today. Longtime Cubs organizational journeyman David Bote was promoted to the major league roster, as reported by Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network. Bote was also in the Cubs lineup in this afternoon’s series finale against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. He batted eighth and played third base. The Cubs lost the game 5-2, with Bote notching an RBI on a fielder’s choice.
Cubs Lineup Gets Major Boost With Bote
Regardless of this afternoon’s disappointing result, this should provide a much-needed boost to a Cubs lineup that has struggled as of late. In a corresponding move, infielder Nick Madrigal was optioned to Iowa, and pitcher Adbert Alzolay was moved to the 60-day injured list to clear room for Bote. Bote’s last major league action came in 2022 when he played 41 games with the Cubs. He signed a five-year, $15 million contract before the 2020 season, but he has bounced between Triple-A and the Cubs during that span.
David Bote is back in Chicago! pic.twitter.com/2VeB1p1QC4
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 2, 2024
The news comes as the Cubs have been searching for sources of offense after a dismal month of May. Bote, who can play multiple positions in the infield, is hitting .259/.341/.546 in Iowa this year, good for an OPS of .887. He’s also added seven home runs and eight doubles. Many fans have voiced their dismay with Madrigal as of late, so the move is surely welcome news to Cubs fans. Madrigal has hit just .221/.280/.256 this season with no home runs.
Bote Is No Stranger To Cubs Fans
Bote, 31, has been in the Cubs organization for his entire career. He was drafted in the 18th round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft, and made his Cubs debut in 2018. A career .231 hitter, Bote has never been sensational in the big leagues, hence his many stints in the minors. However, he has a habit of coming through in the clutch. This has earned him the respect of Cubs fans, and even gotten him a nickname in the process: “Boat.”
Perhaps the best example of this came in 2018. Bote belted a pinch-hit, walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field. Aside from those electric 2016 postseason wins, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Wrigley rocking like it was at that moment. Just a few weeks later, Bote hit a walk-off 10th inning homer against the Cincinnati Reds, also at Wrigley. “Boat” sure does have a flare for the dramatic.
When David Bote hit a walk off grand slam down three on Sunday Night Baseball 😳pic.twitter.com/UqXzAtNcbd
— Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) May 23, 2024
Cubs Could Use More Bote Going Forward
The Cubs pulled off a wild win last night in a game that started late due to a rain delay. This caused the game to go well past midnight, so the addition of Bote to the Cubs lineup today provided a fresh, well-rested asset. What Bote’s regular role will be beyond today’s game is uncertain. However, his ability to be a utility man gives the Cubs options.
Over the course of his career, Bote has done what the Cubs have asked of him. This often included cycling between the minors and the majors. Bote’s past heroics have made him a feel-good story, and he has an opportunity to add another chapter to it. The Cubs are nearing a pivotal point in the season where they need to reveal their identity as either contenders or sellers at the trade deadline. Bote could provide just what the Cubs need down the stretch.
Main Photo Credits: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
