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Rookie phenom Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs has been highly touted for his power. So far this season, his power numbers haven’t been world-beating, but they didn’t need to be. Bryant has shown glimpses of what’s to come in his career. Even though he waited until his 21st game in the majors to hit his first home run, he was putting on a show everywhere else.
Bryant’s popularity around baseball makes him a prime candidate to participate in this year’s Home Run Derby. Bryant has been vocal about wanting to participate in the derby. If Bryant is invited, he and the Cubs should should welcome the opportunity.
The Cubs are currently in third place of the super-competitive NL Central. While the playoffs look to be a real possibility this season, it looks like there might be a Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Cubs’ future. The derby has a bad reputation for messing with the power stroke of those who participate. This should not deter the Cubs from letting Bryant hit in the Home Run Derby.
The Cubs seemingly don’t have what it takes to dethrone the St. Louis Cardinals from atop the NL Central this year. A post-Home Run Derby slump isn’t going to hurt the team this year as much as it might in the next few years, when they will be serious NL pennant contenders. The Cubs should embrace their stud third baseman and let him take his power swings in Cincinnati.
Bryant hitting in the Home Run Derby is a low-risk situation for the Cubs. He could go into a little slump but will rebound sooner or later, and there is also the possibility that he can go on a power streak afterwards. This Cubs team is playing fun baseball right now, and allowing the young guys to participate in the All-Star festivities will only help build confidence going forward.
Bryant is on the cusp of superstardom. He was one of the most talked-about player to begin the season. It makes sense to let him build on that hype and show the baseball world that he can slug with the best of them.
