Kris Bryant has lost his grievance against the Chicago Cubs seeking an additional year of service time in hopes of allowing him to test the free agent market in 2020. Now, Bryant will have to wait until the end of the 2021 season to select the team and offer of hischoosing. The verdict provides the Chicago Cubs with several options to consider and would seemingly increase Bryant’s value to teams seeking to acquire a difference-maker at the third base position.
Bryant’s departure from the Cubs seems imminent with the only question being whether it occurs sooner rather than later. This should come as no surprise to the Cubs and their loyal fans as Bryant and his agent, Scott Boras, were publicly disappointed when Chicago elected to send him to Triple-A Iowa after Spring Training 2015. Bryant’s performance that spring seemed to indicate he was ready for MLB action but the Cubs opted to keep him out of the majors for the first several weeks. In doing so, Bryant’s service time clock started late enough in the season to give the Cubs an additional year of control of Bryant before he can declare for free agency. This move was calculated on the Cubs’ part and Bryant’s relationship with the Cubs’ front office has been forever damaged.
The Cubs have to decide if now is the time to deal their three-time All-Star to another club and get a better return of talent because he provides two years of control for any new club acquiring him. The 2015 National League MVP could clearly help a few clubs that have been pursuing third basemen this offseason but have yet to land a long-term solution at that position. Bryant is a 25.1 WAR player across five MLB seasons and has averaged .284, 32 home runs, and 92 runs batted in across 162 games for his career. Bryant is coming off a 30-plus home run season and is still only 28 years old.
A few clubs that might be in the mix to acquire Kris Bryant from the Cubs include…
Atlanta Braves
The Braves tried to re-sign Josh Donaldson but ultimately lost out to the Minnesota Twins for his services. They have been rumored to be in discussions with Colorado for Nolan Arenado but talks have not developed traction. They currently are looking at 2019 rookie Austin Riley and versatile Johan Camargo to fill the role at the hot corner and Bryant would provide a significant upgrade at the position. Atlanta has the prospects to include in a deal with the Cubs, as well. Austin Riley and outfield prospects Drew Waters or Cristian Pache could headline a return that could also feature one or more of Atlanta’s young pitching prospects, such as Kyle Wright, Bryce Wilson, Touki Toussaint, Ian Anderson, or Kyle Muller.
Texas Rangers
After missing out on free agents Anthony Rendon and Josh Donaldson while getting nowhere with the Rockies with Nolan Arenado, the Cubs’ Bryant would appear to be a very desirable addition. Texas is moving into a new ballpark and signed Todd Frazier to a one-year pact as a fallback at the position. Bryant would immediately add a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat that could play third, left, or designated hitter on any given night. Texas could offer top hitting prospects in catcher Sam Huff or third baseman Josh Jungalong with at least a couple young pitching prospects like Hans Crouse, Jonathan Hernandez, Joe Palumbo, or Cole Winn.
Los Angeles Dodgers
While Justin Turner is a year away from free agency, the Dodgers appear ready to move him to first base for the right third base replacement. Infielder Gavin Lux is likely at second base while Corey Seager has two more years left before hitting the free agent market. The Dodgers could dangle the likes of shortstop Jeter Downs and catcher Keibert Ruiz the Cubs’ way but would likely need to include more prospects to make a deal.
St. Louis Cardinals
Conventional wisdom would indicate the Cubs are not eager to deal their All-Star infielder to their arch-rival. However, the Cardinals have some attractive prospects and young talent to offer and have been rumored to be pursuing Nolan Arenado heavily. Recently-acquired Matthew Liberatore could headline a package along with other top farmhands like Dylan Carlson, Nolan Gorman, or Jhon Torres. The trouble with the Cardinals is that their offer would have to be overwhelming compared to others to convince the Cubs to deal him to. Louis.
Chicago White Sox
Bryant could find a new team and keep his same address if the aggressive club on the Southside were to swing a deal with the Cubs. The White Sox have added Dallas Keuchel, Yasmani Grandal, Edwin Encarnacion, and Nomar Mazara this off-season and seem poised to compete sooner rather than later. The White Sox have a ton of young talent including Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez in their outfield and could give up some prospects now that those two seem ready to contribute in Chicago the next six years. The White Sox may not have the best match of prospects for the Cubs but they would definitely seem a fit for Bryant.
The Cubs would certainly seem inclined to move Bryant soon as his value will likely depreciate every day he gets closer to free agency. If a deal is not made for Bryant prior to Opening Day, expect the trade rumors to continue to circulate as the season moves towards the July trade deadline. Until then, Bryant will remain a Cub.
