The Chicago Cubs have one of baseball's most promising rosters thanks to young talent at the big league level, and even more future stars waiting in the minors for their call up. One of the young players generating the most excitement is Kris Bryant, who may be up sooner than projected.
Per Bruce Levine, Bryant is expected to work out in the outfield this spring, which may offer another route to the big-time for the power-hitting third base prospect. Between Double-A and Triple-A Bryant has smacked 43 home runs and has been graded with 75 power on the 20-80 scale by Fangraphs.
Bryant's performance at the plate in the minors has been stellar, but the picture isn't completely rosy. He struck out in almost 30 percent of his minor-league at-bats in 2014; that didn't hurt his overall line but it's an alarming figure for someone not facing the elite arms he'll see with the big league club.
The Cubs' Opening Day third baseman on paper right now is Tommy LaStella, who slashed .251/.328/.317 with one home run in 93 games in 2014. If Bryant plays in the outfield, he will likely overtake Chris Coghlan, who hit .283 with nine homers last year.
Aside from possibly getting him to the majors faster, Bryant has also had issues defensively at third base, which new manager Joe Maddon touched on.
"I had my first meeting with Kris today," Maddon said. "He was very impressive and very mature for a kid of 23. He understands what he is doing really well. He is accepting of working in the outfield, very accepting of that.
"If you ask him, he would say he prefers to play third base," Maddon said. "As a team member, he is prepared to go to the outfield."
General manager Jed Hoyer is behind Bryant's outfield work as well, seeming concerned that if he struggles with his glove it might mess with his ability to perform at the plate.
"By moving players around, you can take the pressure off of their bat," Hoyer said. "I think Joe uses that as a mental edge with the players as well."
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