Top prospect Kris Bryant expected to make MLB debut Friday
The time has finally come, Chicago Cubs fans.
The club will promote super prospect Kris Bryant from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Bryant is expected to replace Mike Olt - who is headed to the disabled list with a wrist injury - on the big-league roster. He confirmed the news via his Twitter account later Thursday evening.
Today I got to tell my family that my dream is coming true. Can't really put into words what that feels like. So excited for this journey!
— Kris Bryant (@KrisBryant_23) April 17, 2015
As of Friday morning, there will be 171 days left in the 2015 MLB season. A player needs to be a mainstay on a major league roster for 172 days in order for a full year of service time to be granted. In other words, the Cubs will have control over the 23-year-old for seven seasons rather than six by starting him in the minors this season.
Bryant belted what he hopes is his final home run in the minors on Thursday night in the first game of a doubleheader, so he's swinging a hot bat ahead of his potential big-league debut Friday versus the San Diego Padres.
The blast boosted Bryant's home run total to three in seven games with Iowa to go along with 10 RBIs. His spring was even more impressive. The second overall pick in the 2013 draft hit an outstanding .425 with a league-leading nine home runs and 15 RBIs.
It's important to note, however, the Cubs have not made the promotion official yet. To say he'll certainly improve their offensive output at the hot corner would be a huge understatement.
Kris Bryant recalled to Cubs.
Cubs 3B This Season
BA .148 Last
OBP .233 27th
Slug pct .259 28th
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 17, 2015