Defense turning Kris Bryant into a two-dimensional superstar
Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is taking MLB by storm.
Following an outstanding 2015 that ended with him receiving NL Rookie of the Year, Bryant is putting together an even better sophomore campaign. While offense has been his calling card thus far in his career, it's defense that has helped take Bryant's game to another level this season.
Bryant has split time between third base (49 starts), the outfield (37 starts) and a handful of games at first base (3 starts) because of matchups as well as key injuries this season.
He also has managed to improve his defense at third base despite the transition to more of a utility role. He currently ranks sixth among qualified National League third baseman in defensive WAR (+0.58), Ultimate Zone Rating (+4.4) and has 6 fewer errors than he did at this time a year ago (12 errors on July 18, 2015).
"It's hard to get into a consistent routine at third, because I've been moving all over the place. But with the time I've had there this year, I've definitely gotten better at it," Bryant said. "For me, I get better by getting reps. Each time I've played third or the outfield, I've gotten better, whether it's getting good jumps on a ball, reading the wind or judging the sun."
"When I wake up in the morning and see the lineup, I really have to shift my day around to where I'm playing," he added. "There's a different focus you need at each position, but it's fun for me."
Cubs manager Joe Maddon always has believed his young third baseman could be solid defender, but there were a few adjustments he needed to make in order for him to get there; by staying on top of his throws and removing a glove tap before throwing to first base.
While the glove tap is still a work in progress, everything else is right where Maddon wants it.
"He's probably gone from a 45 to a 55 defender over the past year. Maybe even a 60 defender. He's really gotten that good," Maddon said. "He's an above-average right fielder, left fielder, third baseman.
"If you gave him enough time, he'd be an above-average first baseman, too. He's just a really good baseball player. If we just slotted him at third, he'd be getting a lot of recognition."
Bryant's improvement defensively haven't cost him anything at the plate as he's sporting a robust .282/.378/.563 slash line.
He leads the National League in home runs with (25) and is tied for third in RBI (65). He also has cut down on his strikeout percentage from 30 percent in 2015 to just under 23 percent in 2016, a trend he knows he can improve on.
"Deep down, I know I can do so much better, especially with pitch recognition," he said. "Swinging at pitches that I want to swing at and not pitches the pitcher wants me to swing at, as well as seeing more pitches.
"When I'm seeing more pitches and working the count, the results are there. So if I trust my swing I think I can get even better.
Bryant may never win a Gold Glove at third base, the outfield or wherever his manager decides to put him, but his ability to play multiple positions well to go along with his prolific power bat in the middle of the Cubs' lineup has made him one of the elite players in the game.
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