Brian Butterfield studied video of Kris Bryant last year, preparing scouting reports as a Boston Red Sox coach before three April games hyped as a potential World Series preview at Fenway Park.



Butterfield’s late father, Jack, had been a vice president of scouting and player development for the New York Yankees. The son made his mark in pinstripes with a young Derek Jeter, drilling the shortstop after a 56-error season in the minors. The Cubs wanted that experience, energy and attention to detail when they hired Butterfield as the new third base coach in charge of infield and base-running instruction.



What Butterfield has seen up close at Wrigley Field only reinforces what the Red Sox noticed about Bryant.



“We told all of our infielders, you better make sure that you get the ball in the air, because he’s going to give you a great effort down the line,” Butterfield said. “Also, he’s going to take advantage. He’s a...