Cubs Sign David Bote To Contract Extension
The Cubs have reportedly signed infielder David Bote to a contract extension through 2024. The deal includes two club options according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
David Bote has signed an extension through 2024 w 2 club options
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) April 3, 2019
The right-handed hitter made his MLB debut in 2018. He can play all over the infield and was especially great at third base filling in for Kris Bryant last season.
#Cubs president Theo Epstein announced a five-year extension (through 2024) for infielder David Bote that includes two club options.
— Ben Weinrib (@benweinrib) April 3, 2019
Bote, 25, had a .239/.319/.408 slash line in 184 at-bats as a rookie. So far in 2019, Bote has started three games, two at second base and one at third.
Great news for David Bote. Congrats and check out his journey to the big leagues. We’re talking about a guy who was almost out of the game a few years ago.
Going to start Opening Day with a story on a player I really respect, a player that has earned the honor he’ll receive today.
This is the thread of his minor league path. (1/8)
— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) March 28, 2019
Bote is 4-for-11 through the first four games of the 2019 season. Looking ahead, Ben Zobrist will be a free agent following this year and of course there are still the question marks surrounding Addison Russell. Not only has he been bad since 2016, but he’s also currently serving the rest of his domestic violence suspension.
You’d think that the Cubs are also trying to work out an extension with their other rising starts like Javier Baez, Willson Contreras and Kris Bryant. And there’s also Anthony Rizzo.
So, it’s basically a five-year deal worth $15 million for Bote.
$15,003,000/5. 2020-2024 opt 2025-2026. Signing Bonus – $50,000 $950,000 – 2020 $1,000,000 – 2021 $2,500,000 – 2022 $4,000,000 – 2023 $5,500,000 – 2024 Club option 2025 for $7,000,000 or $1,000,000 buyout. Club option 2026 for $7,600,000 or $500,000 buyout.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) April 3, 2019
And then the two club options for 2025 and 2026 if Bote reaches 600 plate appearances.
David Bote could max out with total of $4.4M in 2023;$6.3M in 2024;$7M in 2025; $8M in 2026 if he reaches 600 plate appearances in 2023-2024. #Cubs
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 3, 2019
MLB teams have been busy signing extensions this offseason and the Cubs have now done them with Bote and Kyle Hendricks.