VIDEO: Cubs' Bryant takes King Felix deep, has 8 home runs this spring
Kris Bryant doesn't want to start the season in the minors.
The Chicago Cubs super prospect made a huge statement Saturday afternoon, crushing a two-run shot deep to left field off Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, who is undoubtedly one of the top hurlers in the majors.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
The blast was Bryant's major league-leading seventh of the spring. He added a three-run shot later in the contest off Kevin Correia to increase his total to eight. It is the third time Bryant has enjoyed a multi-homer game this spring.
Only guys w/ more HRs in a ST last 10 years than Bryant (8): R.Howard (11 in '06, 10 in '09), J.Fox (10 in '11) and M.Morse (9 in '11, '13).
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) March 22, 2015
Bryant is back at third base Saturday after suffering from shoulder fatigue. He had been limited to designated hitter duties for the last week.
The 23-year-old's monster spring is putting pressure on Cubs management to make a difficult decision prior to Opening Day. If the club starts him in the minors to keep him from accruing enough service time, he will become a free agent in 2021 rather than 2020. The decision would not be popular with the Cubs' fan base, however.
Bryant is also earning the respect of his peers with his offensive outburst:
I've told myself to not tweet about Kris Bryant but I can't help it...wow man!! His homers are my BP hitting from 2nd base...and I got POP!
— David Price (@DAVIDprice14) March 21, 2015
Price is probably happy he pitches in the American League after watching Bryant destroy King Felix.