Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune first reported this Cubs rumor in an article he wrote on Jan.12 discussing the Padres’ third base needs, saying in turn that San Diego had “explored” a deal for third baseman David Bote, amongst others.
Bote assumed the third base duties for Chicago in July with Kris Bryant still ailing from a shoulder injury and immediately made an impact. The 25-year-old hit .458 with a pair of homers and a 1.355 OPS on the month.
He also showed a flair for the dramatic, hitting three homers in the ninth inning to tie or win games, including a historic walk-off grand slam against the Washington Nationals in mid-August.