The Chicago Cubs will head into their upcoming series against the Chicago White Sox with a 29-31 record. The Cubs are 7.5 games behind the first place Milwaukee Brewers in the National league Central. In fact, Milwaukee is the only ball club with a record of above .500 in the division. Perhaps Chicago's latest roster moves will help them climb over the .500 mark.
On Sunday, the Cubs optioned infielder Nick Madrigal to Triple-A and promoted infielder David Bote to the big league club. Chicago also transferred right-handed pitcher Adbert Alzolay to the 60-day injured list and on Monday the Cubs activated right-handed pitcher Daniel Valencia from the injured list before optioning him to Triple-A, per MLB.com.
The Madrigal and Bote moves stand out. Although, Valencia could potentially impact the Cubs at some point down the road. Meanwhile, Alzolay features the ability to perform well in a big league rotation.
Madrigal, 27, was acquired from the White Sox along with reliever Cody Heuer for closer Craig Kimbrel in 2021. Madrigal featured potential as a contact-hitting infielder, but he has yet to find his groove with the Cubs. In 2024, Madrigal has slashed just .221/.280/.256/.535 across 51 games played. He's added just three doubles, one stolen base, and no home runs.
Bote made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2018. He's started some games while also playing a utility/backup role in others. Bote's best season was in 2019 when he hit .257 with a .785 OPS in 127 games played. Bote, who is now 31 years old, has not played in more than 100 MLB games in a single season since, however.
David Bote reacts to “second chance” with Cubs
The MLB.com update also shared a quote from Bote.
“It's so cool that I get to have a second chance in this group and with this team and this organization that has been so gracious to me for 13 years now,” Bote said. “To be able to be back here and to help the team win in any way I can, I'm ready for it.”
The Cubs are hoping to compete. They are still afloat in the NL Central division. Milwaukee leads the division, but the Brewers have some question marks. As a result, it would not be surprising to see a team challenge them for the division title.
Chicago has struggled in recent action, though. Manager Craig Counsell addressed the Cubs' underperformance, via ESPN.
“We've just got to keep going,” Counsell said. “We're in a tough stretch. When you're in a tough stretch, it feels like you don't get breaks. We've got to make our own breaks, and we'll keep doing that.”
The team needs more overall offensive production in order to make any kind of playoff run. The good news is that we are only in June. There is plenty of time for Chicago to get back on track. If they continue to struggle, though, there is a chance that Chicago will end up being sellers at the trade deadline.
