The Cubs are not messing around. Five days after the ascension of Kris Bryant to the Major League roster, top prospect Addison Russell has been given the call and will be the team’s new starting second baseman.
Russell’s prospect pedigree is well-regarded in all baseball circles, as the consensus Top 5 prospect was preparing for the call by starting at second base for Triple-A Iowa. He hit .297/.308/.432 in 39 plate appearances with a home run and seven RBIs. He still might be the Cubs shortstop some day, but much like fellow shortstop-in-waiting Manny Machado in Baltimore, Russell’s versatility is being taken advantage of to help the ballclub now.
It’s still a surprise to see him get called up this quickly. While Russell impressed in Spring Training (.317/.349/.488 with a homer), many believed he would be called up later in the season as the Cubs front office tried to figure out how to piece the team together with the giant influx of young talent they have. When the unfortunate death of Javier Baez’ sister earlier this month led to Baez leaving the I-Cubs and opened up the keystone, Russell performed well and will now get an opportunity to show off his talents ahead of schedule.
The Cubs are a game behind the Cardinals in the NL Central right now, but the aggressive call-up of Russell leaves little doubt as to the plan for 2015: The Cubs are going for it, and if the kids are ready, they’re going to get every opportunity they can to prove they belong in the big leagues. Strap in, Cubs fans. Your team is looking to contend right here, right now.
