Dodgers Sign David Bote to Minor League Deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed infielder David Bote to a minor league contract, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media. This move comes after Bote became a free agent following the Chicago Cubs' decision to buy out his $7 million club option for the 2025 season at a cost of $1 million.

Bote signed a five-year, $15 million extension with the Cubs in April 2019 after an impressive debut season in the majors. In his first season, he hit .239/.319/.408 over 210 plate appearances while playing at least five different positions. Despite not being a highly touted prospect, Bote showed enough potential for the Cubs to invest in him as a utility infielder. Notably, Bote himself initiated the extension talks, a move that proved wise for his financial security as his production declined in subsequent years.

Bote had a strong 2019 season, hitting .257/.362/.422 with 11 home runs in 356 plate appearances. However, his performance dipped over the next two seasons, hitting only .200/.285/.353 in 472 plate appearances from 2020 to 2021. He showed signs of improvement in 2022, but the Cubs still decided to outright him off their 40-man roster at the end of the season. As Bote did not have enough service time to reject the outright assignment while retaining his salary, he remained with the Chicago organization. Unfortunately, he did not see any major league action in 2023.

With his move to the Dodgers, Bote has a chance to revive his major league career. He brings versatility and experience to the Dodgers' organization, providing depth to their infield. If Bote can recapture his earlier form, he could become a valuable asset for the team.


The Dodgers' signing of David Bote reflects their strategy of adding experienced players to bolster their roster depth. As Bote joins the team, fans will be watching to see how he performs and whether he can secure a spot on the major league roster. This move marks a new chapter in Bote's career and an opportunity for him to make an impact with a new organization.