Another MLB extension is reportedly finalized, and it isn't one many would expect.
The Cubs and infielder David Bote agreed to an extension through 2024 that includes a pair of club options, per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. The club confirmed the report on Wednesday. Mooney also expanded on the monetary value of the deal, reporting that Bote will earn $15 million over the next five seasons.
David Bote's contract is valued at $15 million over the next five seasons, beginning in 2020, according to a source familiar with the deal.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) April 3, 2019
Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune followed with the full breakdown of Bote's contract.
$15,003,000/5. 2020-2024 opt 2025-2026. Signing Bonus - $50,000 $950,000 - 2020 $1,000,000 - 2021 $2,500,000 - 2022 $4,000,000 - 2023 $5,500,000 - 2024 Club option 2025 for $7,000,000 or $1,000,000 buyout. Club option 2026 for $7,600,000 or $500,000 buyout.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) April 3, 2019
Bote doesn't exactly fit the recent wave of players getting extensions. He isn't considered a star — at least not yet — and wasn't going to reach free agency soon. In fact, he has only played in 78 major league games and has hit six home runs to go with a .727 OPS.
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That said, the extension is similar in some respects to the five-year deal announced yesterday between Randal Grichuk and the Blue Jays. Grichuk isn't one of the league's premier players yet, but, like Bote, is clearly viewed highly by his organization.
Bote is the second Cubs player to receive an extension in recent weeks, following Kyle Hendricks' 4-year, $63 million deal.