Cubs: 3 players Jed Hoyer would like to cut, but can’t

Chicago Cubs: David Bote needs change of scenery

Bote just barely avoided hitting under the Mendoza line last season, finishing with a .200 batting average. In 2021, he’s sitting at .193. The former promising prospect just hasn’t been himself the last two seasons. The problem? He’s signed through 2027.

While Bote isn’t costing the Cubs much — his contract is for five years and $15 million total — Chicago should be trying to flip him so he doesn’t clog the depth chart for a player more deserving.

I wrote about Bote’s failures at the plate a few weeks ago. Things haven’t really improved since then:

"“A change of scenery could do Bote some good, because whatever coaching he’s received isn’t working. Bote is a low-ball hitter, that much is clear. Any power he’s showed in years past has come from that approach. But at this point his failure to hit for average and get on base at a consistent clip is enough to keep him out of the lineup for anyone but the Cubs.”"

Bote has some talent, but he’s not tapping into that in Chicago. A high-upside trade to a team that can develop him would help both sides, and allow the Cubs to move on.