The Dodgers signed infielder David Bote to a minor league deal, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media. As per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the deal includes an invite to the Dodgers’ big league Spring Training camp.
Bote became a free agent when the Cubs bought out (for $1MM) the $7MM club option on his services for the 2025 season. The Cubs signed Bote to that five-year, $15MM extension in April 2019, after a debut season in the majors that saw Bote hit .239/.319/.408 over 210 plate appearances while seeing at least some action at five different positions. While Bote wasn’t a notable prospect during his time in the Cubs farm system, Chicago felt it was a decent investment to lock up a player that seemed like at least a decent utility infield fit.
Bote himself initiated the talks about the extension, a decision that proved to be quite wise for his financial security considering how his production tailed off after a big 2019 season. After hitting .257/.362/.422 with 11 homers in 356 PA in 2019, Bote hit only .200/.285/.353 in 472 total PA in 2020-21. He rebounded to hit decently well in 2022 but the Cubs still outrighted him off their 40-man roster at season’s end.
Since Bote didn’t have enough service time to reject the outright assignment while retaining the rest of his salary, he remained in the Chicago organization. Bote didn’t see any big league time in 2023 but had his contract selected again to the Cubs’ roster this past season, as he appeared in 32 games.
Over his last 175 PA at the Major League level, Bote has hit a very respectable .272/.320/.420, translating to a 110 wRC+. He has played mostly at second and third base with a handful of games at first base, shortstop, and both corner outfield slots, so he adds the kind of versatility that the Dodgers (and among many other teams) value in potential bench pieces. Bote’s right-handed bat has had a tendency for reverse splits, though his overall numbers in the majors are relatively even against right-handed and left-handed pitching.
Los Angeles obviously already has a very crowded infield picture, especially now that Mookie Betts is being penciled in as the team’s starting shortstop in 2025. If Bote makes the roster, he can provide depth behind Max Muncy and Gavin Lux at third and second, with Miguel Rojas as the backup shortstop behind Betts. Should he not break camp with this loaded roster, Bote might consider opting out of his deal to pursue a clearer path to playing time elsewhere, or he could remain in the minors since the Dodgers don’t have much in the way of MLB-experienced depth on the farm.
Deferred his call up to 2038 when sellout Shohei finally retires
You seem like you’ve been psychologically scared by the Dodgers. Do you mind if I ask you who your team is?
Digglin
Mickey is just trapped in a Dr. Strange time loop
MLB Top
Do you know who his team is?
Anybody who plays the Dodgers. Seriously.
You sound miserable.
You realize every team in mlb uses deferrals right?
Mickey hasn’t taken his head out of his a** long enough to notice much of anything pertinent.
I’m glad he posted early this time as these Dodgers threads aren’t really complete until he does.
Dodgers still making moves, Padres not so much.
Joke of an offseason for the Pads.
Sold out stadium, considerable amounts of season tickets sold, a burgeoning national and international following for the Padres and they are going backwards.
All this goodwill established with Padres fans and in one offseason, full reverse.
This had the makings of a blossoming rivalry with the Dodgers but the Padres ownership threw in the towel and waived the white flag.
The Padres private equity ownership group has bowed out.
I didnt hear no bell
Mickey – zzzzzzzzz.
David Bote is light years better than Miles Mastrobuoni, don’t understand why Mastro was on roster. Now, I do understand why Cubs bought out 2025, because Bote should not be starting on any MLB team.
How is he a sellout?
I’m so glad the dodgers have put you in a state of mind of deferrals. Who ever your team is i hope the dodgers sweep them all season next year.
Does this mean the end for Kike?
Are setting up for Taylor trade away?
Utility players are always the easiest to replace. They could get the same production for a lot cheaper than 17 million.
The Dodgers are stuck with Taylor’s contract so it doesn’t matter if they could get the same production for cheaper.
BlueSkies
What amtters is if they can improve upon Chris Taylor with a guy who gets the major league minimum. I don’t think Bote is here to take CT’s job, rather he is depth. CT was ok toward the end of the season, if he flounders, he may get cut mid-season, but not in March.
The point being, any cost of replacing Taylor will be added to his cost unless he can be traded without paying down his entire contract.
On that, yes, we are saying the same thing.
@ Aussie; yeah strange signing. Is Kike out now? Unless this is strictly a minor league thing because of lack of infielder depth in the minors.
Or a throw in on a future trade. Bote’s definitely not better than Kike. Cheaper but not better!
This is why I love reading the comments!! One depth move to fill their AAA team and everyone speculates a HUGE move
Is forthcoming…or criticizes the move being reported on as if they will be starting TOMORROW!
Keep the comments coming please
I doubt it. Bote is a career minor league depth type player.
Where’s Teo?
Glad to see Bote get scooped up. Great guy.
Do you know him personally? Otherwise how do you know he’s a great guy?
Why do you care?
Apparently he’s really decent. Better than being indecent I guess.
Well that takes him out of the running for cabinet member.
Death, taxes, and a Dodgers deferring joke.
And none of them are funny.
Or are we just deferring our laughter til later?
Save some guys for the rest of the league!
I’ll never forget his walk off grand slam against the Nationals
That was an awesome moment for Cubs lore!
Scherzer got robbed of a win, he was absolutely dominant that game until the bullpen gave it up.
Wish the M’s had tried this move
The new Max Muncy
$15 million earned is a Bote load of money!
Not bad Mondesi. Not too shabby.
This move makes it official that the Dodgers are out on Teoscar.
Game changer
Shake shake shake. Shake shake shake. Shake your Bote. Shake your Bote
The Dodgers ridiculous attempts at putting Betts at SS will cost them a repeat WS. He is an elite RF and should stay there.
Thank you for your deep insights, Dr. Sad.
Sneaky good pickup by the Dodgers