Mike Olt was once the most prized prospect in the Rangers organization.
But after an odd eye injury in winter ball, his stock faded dramatically. He was traded to the Cubs, and he had a miserable year in the minors. For three different teams, he hit only .201, with 15 HRs and 45 RBIs. His field percentage at third base was a lowly .919.
At age 25, he is no longer a young prospect. He has spent most of spring training at DH due to a new "shoulder" injury/issue. He has hit .333 with 3 HRs and 6 RBI in spring training, but those numbers as fans are well aware, can be deceiving because it is spring training and not actual major league games.
In 16 games with 40 plate appearances in 2012, Olt hit only .152 with 0 HR and 5 RBI for the Rangers.
People want to believe that Olt is a better solution to the Cubs third base woes than another season of Luis Valbuena or Donnie Murphy. Olt does have home run potential, but injuries and fielding issues are real concerns. The front office really wants Olt to win the third base job, because it would validate one of their recent trades.
But no matter what happens, Olt is probably still only a caretaker at third until Kris Bryant is ready.
