David Bote was among the Los Angeles Dodgers’ group of non-roster players to receive an invitation to 2025 Spring Training, and he has certainly made the most of his opportunity thus far.
Through eight Cactus League games, Bote has gone 10-for-20 at the plate with two doubles, two home runs and nine RBI. “He’s been great. I think if we had a camp MVP so far, it would be him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“Righties, lefties, moving around the diamond, I like his energy, he comes to play every day, takes good at-bats. We’ve seen him from the other side over the years, but just seeing him every day, he’s really impressing.”
Bote faces long odds to make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster but has tried to improve his chances by playing multiple positions this spring.
The 31-year-old has seen most of his time in the infield but can also play the two corner outfield spots. “I think we feel good with him at second, at third, at first. He’s a baseball player, so he’ll do whatever is asked of him,” Roberts said.
Bote is looking for a fresh start after being mired by inconsistency for most of his career with the Chicago Cubs. The former top prospect was outrighted off the team’s 40-man roster after the 2022 season and spent all of the following year in the Minors.
He returned to the Majors in 2024 and had somewhat of a bounce-back season but the Cubs ultimately declined their $7 million team option for 2025. Bote instead received a $1 million buyout as part of the contract terms.
If Bote doesn’t make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, he could opt out of his contract and look for a Major League opportunity elsewhere. Otherwise, Bote could remain in the organization and wait for a potential call-up later in the season.
David Bote grateful for Mookie Betts
Bote has looked comfortable with the Dodgers, which he believes is a byproduct of Mookie Betts being so welcoming to new players. From Day 1, Mookie Betts was so welcoming,” Bote began.
“When you have a guy like that, the caliber of his player, the pedigree, the baseball card, all the things, and he’s like, ‘You’re one of us.’ That instantly makes you feel welcomed. From front office down, I felt the same way.”
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