Chicago Cubs Update: Top Prospect Kris Bryant to make MLB Debut Friday
Top prospect Kris Bryant might be making his major league debut this Friday.
Several outlets reported Thursday night that the Chicago Cubs were planning on starting the 23-year-old in Friday's home game against the San Diego Padres. Although the Cubs have not commented about this latest story, Bryant tweeted that his "dream is coming true."
During spring training, Bryant hit .425 with nine home runs and 15 RBIs in 40 at-bats. Despite this impressive performance, the Cubs did not bring him up to the majors on opening day, a move that upset both Bryant and his agent, Scott Boras.
The Cubs' decision, however, was most likely not related to Bryant's defensive skills at third base, several reports noted.
The San Francisco Gate wrote, "Friday is Day 13 of the season, which means Bryant could at most accumulate 171 days or of major league service. Because 172 days counts as a year, keeping him in the minor leagues through Thursday ensured he would not be eligible for free agency until after the 2021 season."
The young star has made a name for himself in the minors. In 2014, he recorded 43 homeruns between his Double-A and Triple-A stints, and batted .325.
"I don't want to say he reminds me of anybody because he hasn't played in the big leagues yet," Bryant's manager at Triple-A Iowa Marty Pevey told ESPN.com. "But I think he's going to lead the Chicago Cubs to a championship."
At Triple-A Iowa, Bryant was hitting .321 with three homeruns and 10 RBIs in 28 at-bats.
The Cubs (5-3) will play the Padres (6-4) at 2:20 p.m. ET.
