David Bote – admittedly in a still-small sample – has been a revelation for the Cubs this year. From a minor league org guy to a pop-up prospect to a break-out big leaguer, Bote just keeps hitting (and playing great defense).
Tonight, he kicked off the scoring for the Cubs by crushing a triple to right center:
David Bote hits baseballs very hard. pic.twitter.com/PFqt3BumyB
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 8, 2018
The Cubs were quite right there, as that was 103.2 mph off the bat the other way, and it just looked gorgeously barreled up.
And it’s not like that was an anomaly for Bote. He is – literally – the hardest hitting batter in baseball right now by average exit velocity:
David Bote is *THE* hardest-hitting player in Major League Baseball. pic.twitter.com/jigKpkTqHA
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) August 8, 2018
With the triple, Bote’s slash line is up to a ridiculous .339/.427/.548 with a 157 wRC+. Basically, he’s been one of the best few bats in the NL since he’s been up. Sure, the .422 BABIP will come down, but a lot of it has been earned by how much he’s ripping the ball.