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Will Kris Bryant become a superstar for Chicago Cubs in 2015?

By Evan Massey

Mar 26, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kris Bryant (76) at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kris Bryant (76) at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /
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What does the 2015 MLB season have in store for potential superstar Chicago Cubs prospect Kris Bryant?

The Chicago Cubs are expected to take a big step forward this season, and superstar prospect Kris Bryant is expected to make his major league debut fairly early on in the seasons. Bryant would like to start the season in Chicago, but it seems more likely that he will sit out the first nine games of the regular season in order for the Cubs to have an extra year of control in 2021.

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Bryant has put up impressive numbers throughout Spring Training this year, and the Cubs are extremely excited about his future. He will hit the big leagues and make an impact almost immediately whenever Theo Epstein decides to give him that chance. Now the question becomes, what does the 2015 season have in store for Bryant?

During Spring Training this year, Bryant has played in a total of 12 games. He has recorded a .406 batting average, nine home runs and 15 RBI’s.

Those numbers show exactly why many view him as the “Next Big Thing” in baseball, and the potential savior for the Cubs’ franchise. Epstein went out and made some big moves this past offseason, signing ace starting pitcher Jon Lester and acquiring both Miguel Montero and Dexter Fowler. He also brought back starting pitcher Jason Hammel.

So where exactly does Bryant fit into the equation and what do the Cubs need for him when he is brought up?

Why Kris Bryant will be a superstar

Quite simply, they need a more powerful offense in order to get into the postseason this year. Their rotation is very solid with Lester, Hammel, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and whoever Joe Maddon decides to go with in the fifth position. Chicago has a very dangerous offense with a lot of potential, but adding in the type of numbers that Bryant showed in Spring Training would be huge for them.

Jorge Soler, Javier Baez, Arismendy Alcantara and Bryant are the four biggest offensive prospects that the Cubs currently have. Soler showed off a ton of potential last year when he was called up late in the season, and Baez showed off an impressive amount of power. Alcantara is a solid all-around player, but Bryant has the potential to become an Albert Pujols type of threat.

That is extremely big praise for a player who hasn’t played in a single MLB game, but his swing is very similar. He has a smooth approach to the game, and has the work ethic to get to wherever he wants to be.

Last season split between Double-A and Triple-A, Bryant ended up recording a .325 batting average to go along with 43 long bombs and 110 RBI’s. He had a .438 on base percentage, and also stole 15 bases. Needless to say, those numbers show a lot of star potential, and coupled with the spring numbers he has put up show impressive amounts of improvement.

At this point in time, there is no denying that he looks like the most dominant player that the Cubs have on their roster. He is just 23 years old, which is impressive to think about considering the numbers he has been putting up.

Chicago has been needing a superstar at the plate, and they very well might have their guy. Epstein was very smart by signing an ace pitcher, especially because he saw Bryant taking this type of a leap this year. There is always the chance that he ends up being a dud when he hits the major league diamond, but that doesn’t appear likely with the type of confidence and talent that he has shown this spring.

Why Kris Bryant may not become a superstar

While every single sign that he has shown us looks to prove that he is a future superstar, there are still some things to keep an eye on that could slow down those expectations. Bryant will likely end up being the superstar that the Cubs need him to be, but every single young player has a chance to fold under the expectations.

Bryant is already being called the savior of the Cubs’ franchise and a superstar in the making, but those glamorous comments can also put added pressure on his shoulders. Young players have faltered under much less scrutiny from the fans and media, even after showing impressive numbers in the minor leagues. His spring numbers have been encouraging, but they are still not on the type of stage that the regular season will put him on.

There is no denying the talent that he has on the diamond and the work ethic he has, but it will all come down to how he is able to handle the expectations above the shoulders.

If he can keep himself grounded and not get lost in all the fanfare of his impending call-up to the big leagues, he should be just fine. On the other hand, if he allows it to get to his head it could end very ugly for him. Bryant simply needs to keep his eyes straight forward on the game of baseball, and not worry about everything that is being said about him.

Chances of Bryant becoming a superstar? (9/10)

What does the 2015 season have in store for Bryant? To make things very simple, it will be the start of what is going to be an amazing career.

Assuming he can stay healthy, doesn’t allow his head to get distracted and doesn’t lose his work ethic, there is nothing that can hold him back from becoming the superstar that many see when watching him. The Cubs have been in desperate need of a guy like Bryant, and they are about to see him get off to a start to that stardom this season.

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