The Chicago Cubs have given their fans very little reason to cheer at the Major League level since their two straight N.L. Central titles in 2007 and 2008. In fact, the last two years saw them lose 101 and 96 games, respectively. This year promises to end no better. At 20-33 entering play on June 1, the Cubs are on pace to finish 61-101 for the second time in three years.
Management continues to promise a winning team within a few years, and looking at what they have done in the Cubs’ farm system reveals that team President Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer have worked very hard to make good on that promise since coming to the Cubs before the 2012 season.
One of the biggest names in the Cubs’ system is third baseman Kris Bryant, the Cubs’ first-round draft pick and second overall pick in 2013. Bryant is currently playing with the Tennessee Smokies, the Cubs’ Double-A affiliate of the Southern League. He is having a banner season, ripping through Southern League pitching well enough to have Cub fans salivating at the thought of seeing him in Wrigley Field as soon as possible.
As of June 1, the 22-year-old Bryant is hitting .350/.453/.685 with 18 HR and 49 RBI in 54 games. He hit home run #18 on June 1, a two-run shot. At this pace, Bryant would finish the 144-game season with 48 home runs and 125 RBI. Those projections go to 54 HR and 141 RBI over a 162-game Major League season. He is Baseball America’s #8 overall prospect as of February 20, 2014.
Bryant is not having a fluke season. He started his professional career last year and played in 36 total games in the Cubs’ system ranging from Rookie Ball to High-A. In those 36 games, he hit .336 with 9 HR and 32 RBI. He then went on to win the Arizona Fall League MVP award and make the AFL All-Prospect team.
Cub fans understandably want to see Bryant and other Cubs prospects such as Jorge Soler, Javier Baez, and Arismendy Alcantara in Wrigley Field — perhaps this year. The team is going nowhere fast, so bringing them up cannot hurt. It would give them some valuable Major League experience. However, rushing them too fast could hurt. Giving them time to develop in the Minor Leagues and getting them the reps they need will benefit them all long-term. It will also give them a chance to learn to play competitively as both the Smokies and the Triple-A Iowa Cubs (Pacific Coast League) are in contention for division titles. Winning those division titles and playing in the postseason will enhance their desire to win when they come to Wrigley Field to stay.
Kris Bryant and the other prospects could see some Major League action during the September stretch to get a glimpse of the Major League life both on and off the field. Until then, Hoyer is right to keep them where they are playing so well. Until his MLB debut time comes, Bryant will continue to rip through the Southern League this year and likely the Pacific Coast League in 2015.
PHOTO CREDIT: (Ken Inness/MiLB.com)