Cardinals’ Randal Grichuk v. Cubs’ Kris Bryant breakdown

Aug 4, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) reaches for a ball hit by Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder

(not pictured) during the seventh inning at PNC Park. The Cubs won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Kris Bryant – Defense

While Bryant has won his share of games with the bat, he’s still got some work to do with the glove at the hot corner – although the Chicago Cubs were aware of this heading into the season.

The young slugger has been a -0.2 dWAR player in his first big league season, making 13 errors in 99 games at third base for Chicago.

According to Fangraphs, Bryant has a 3.5 UZR and according to some metrics, his range has been above-average, as well.

He’s seen some time at both third and in the outfield, although he’s spent all but five games at the hot corner.

By contrast, last season, then-Cubs third baseman Luis Valbuena made just nine errors in roughly 25 more games than Bryant has appeared in so far in 2015. Of course, his offensive contributions paled – which is why the now-Astros infielder posted a 1.6 WAR in 2014 and his replacement comes in at an even 3.0.

The moral of the story is this: most of Bryant’s value comes with his bat; and he has work to do defensively.

Next: Randal Grichuk – Defense