Fansided

MLB: Kris Bryant and the Top 5 stories of the season so far

By Ryan Phillips

Apr 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) hits a RBI double during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) hits a RBI double during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryant at bat against the San Diego Padres during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryant at bat against the San Diego Padres during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Kris Bryant Has Arrived

After what seemed like an interminably long wait, last week brought us the most hyped prospect debut since Bryce Harper broke into the big leagues in 2012.

Yes, the Chicago Cubs brought up their anointed savior Kris Bryant on Friday just in time to face the San Diego Padres and ace righty James Shields.

While Bryant’s debut was hyped beyond belief, he didn’t deliver in his first big-league game. Shields struck out the 23-year-old third baseman in each of his first three at bats. He wound up 0-for-4 on the day, but given Bryant’s immense potential we all knew he wouldn’t be hitless long.

Since his rough first outing, the Las Vegas native has come alive. Through four games he is now hitting .444, with a .583 on-base percentage while slugging .611. Overall he is 8-for-18 with three doubles and six RBI, and has struck out four times while also earning four walks.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for what Bryant can do. The consensus top prospect in all of baseball combined to hit .325 with 43 home runs and 110 RBI at Double-A and Triple-A in 2014. He has absolutely raked at every level and while there are a few holes in his swing, he’s up in the big leagues to stay and should be a stud.

Bryant’s debut and the arrival of Addison Russell has given the North Siders reason for hope. Joe Maddon’s club is currently 8-5 and just a half-game back of the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central and will only get better.

Next: The Friars are for real

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