Iowa Cubs standout Brett Bateman called up to Toronto Blue Jays
DES MOINES — Brett Bateman went from riding a bus from Des Moines to Indianapolis to starting in center field for the Toronto Blue Jays in just five days. The 24-year-old outfielder, who was a key player for the Iowa Cubs this season, got the call after being traded to Toronto as part of the return for pitcher Kevin Gausman.
Bateman was on a bus heading to Indianapolis on Sunday when he learned he was headed to the Blue Jays organization. He returned to Des Moines on Monday, packed for Buffalo, and made it there Tuesday — even though his equipment bag did not. He played in teammate Jay Harry's gear before his own bag arrived in time for the trip to Philadelphia.
How Bateman earned his shot
Bateman's performance with the Iowa Cubs this season made him a valuable trade asset. In 82 games with Iowa, the left-handed-hitting center fielder batted .312 with a .430 on-base percentage and a .421 slugging percentage. He stole 20 bases in 23 attempts and played strong defense.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said the team had been discussing adding Bateman to the roster. An injury to Luis Urias created the opening.
Bateman made an immediate impression on Schneider during their first conversation Friday.
“I was kind of feeling him out a little bit, going through the whole thing here, talking about signs, this and that, and I said, ‘What’s your first question to me?’” Schneider recalled. “He said, ‘Am I playing tonight?’ And I said, ‘Do you want to play tonight?’”
Schneider added that Bateman knew exactly who was pitching that night, who was pitching the next day, and who was in the opposing bullpen.
“I’ve said this a lot this year: This is a big-boy league,” Schneider said. “We’re still trying to win every single game we can. This isn’t like, hey, let’s see what this kid can do that we traded for. We think he can help us win games.”
Bateman's approach: Focus on strengths
Bateman, listed at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, describes himself as a “chaos agent” with his combination of plate discipline, speed, and contact hitting. He does not try to be a power hitter.
“I try not to be someone that I’m not,” Bateman said. “Just trying to be the person that I am, that’s what got me here. I know people say ‘he doesn’t have power, he doesn’t have power.’ But if you do one thing right, then Skip doesn’t have an option to not put you in the lineup. I try not to focus on the things that I’m not good at and focus on things I’m really good at, because ultimately, baseball is a team sport; if you do something really well, contribute to a team, that’s going to help them a lot.”
In his first major league at-bat, Bateman slashed a 97.4 mph fastball off the left-field wall, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored on a sacrifice fly. He also walked in his second plate appearance.
What this means for Iowa baseball fans
For Iowa Cubs fans, Bateman's promotion is a point of pride. He was a fan favorite at Principal Park in Des Moines, known for his hustle and on-base skills. His success shows that the Iowa Cubs continue to develop talent that can compete at the highest level.
The trade that sent Bateman to Toronto also brought value back to the Chicago Cubs organization. Kevin Gausman, a veteran pitcher, joined the Cubs in the deal.
Other Blue Jays roster notes
Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. missed a third straight game with hamstring tightness, but manager Schneider said a return Saturday was possible. Pitcher Yimi Garcia is dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome, effectively ending his season. Spencer Arrighetti rejoined the team for an MRI after a foot issue flared up during a rehab outing.
Bateman's rapid rise from an Iowa Cubs bus to a major league starting lineup is a story of hard work, focus, and opportunity. For Iowans who watched him play this season, it is a reminder that the Hawkeye State continues to produce and develop big league talent.