Alvin Garcia
The Los Angeles Dodgers have added versatile infielder David Bote to their roster on a minor league deal, as Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media reported. The agreement includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Bote, 31, was recently bought out of his $7 million club option by the Chicago Cubs, making him a free agent. After his promising rookie campaign, the Cubs originally signed Bote to a five-year, $15 million extension in 2019. However, despite a strong 2019 season where he hit .257/.362/.422 with 11 home runs, Bote’s performance in subsequent seasons was inconsistent, and he eventually fell off Chicago’s 40-man roster.
In limited action over the past few years, Bote has shown flashes of earlier success. In 175 Major League plate appearances over the last two seasons, he posted a solid .272/.320/.420 slash line, translating to a 110 wRC+. Known for his defensive versatility, Bote has played extensively at second and third base, with additional experience at shortstop, first base, and outfield corners.
For the Dodgers, Bote represents a low-risk, high-upside depth addition. While their infield remains crowded, especially with Mookie Betts projected as the starting shortstop for 2025, Bote provides insurance behind players like Max Muncy, Gavin Lux, and Miguel Rojas. His ability to play multiple positions and deliver respectable at-bats could make him a valuable bench piece for the Dodgers’ quest to defend their World Series title.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ negotiations with free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández remain unresolved. Reports earlier in the offseason suggested that Hernández’s asking price had increased following Juan Soto’s record-breaking contract with the New York Mets. The Dodgers have been considered frontrunners for Hernández, but no updates have emerged on the progress of a potential deal. The delay has fueled speculation that Los Angeles might hesitate to meet Hernández’s current demands, especially after their significant financial commitments this offseason.
If Bote doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, he could either opt out of his deal or provide depth in the minors, where the Dodgers lack MLB-ready infield options. Either way, his signing aligns with Los Angeles’ strategy of building a deep, flexible roster capable of sustaining a long postseason run.
As the Dodgers continue to bolster their roster, all eyes remain on their negotiations with Hernández, which could significantly impact their outfield plans for 2025.
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