Amid fairly consistent reports on the Cubs’ limited payroll capacity this offseason, ESPN’s Buster Olney writes that the team is taking an open-minded approach to the trade market. Per the report, the team is willing to listen to offers on virtually anyone on the roster — even star third baseman Kris Bryant.
Needless to say, the fact that the Cubs evidently won’t hang up on rival organizations that inquire on Bryant is far from a suggestion that he is likely to be traded. It is jarring to see his name included in this ESPN headline — “Cubs open to trading 3B Kris Bryant” — but that doesn’t quite seem a fair encapsulation of Olney’s report. And it would remain absolutely stunning to see any deal actually come together this winter.
Indeed, as Olney points out, Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein recently acknowledged publicly that neither Bryant nor star first baseman Anthony Rizzo are totally off limits, at least as a theoretical matter. That has always been the club’s stance. Notably, too, Epstein added an important proviso: “Given what we’re trying to accomplish,” he said, “it would be virtually impossible to envision the deal that would make sense to move them.”
Epstein’s statement still accurately reflects the Cubs’ thinking, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times (via Twitter). Per Wittenmyer, the Cubs are not looking for deals on Bryant and are merely operating under their standard protocol. As one might expect, it “would take a shocking haul/scenario” to “consider moving” Bryant, per Wittenmyer.
Taken as a whole, then, Olney’s report has clear limits. He does say that “it’s possible that the Cubs will trade” Bryant, and that the Cubs are telling rivals they “are willing to discuss trade proposals for almost all of the players on their roster, including Bryant.” That’s not an insignificant piece of information, to be sure, but it hardly seems to support the notion — which seems to be spreading in some corners of social media — that the Cubs have a whole new direction in mind.
On its face, in fact, Olney’s report seems to say as much or more about other Cubs players. The focus on Bryant’s status, in particular, could stem from recent reports about his decision to pass on what would’ve reportedly been a massive extension, David Kaplan of ESPN Radio reported that Bryant turned down an offer worth more than $200MM, though Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic suggests that the most recent time at which such an offer might have materialized is last offseason. That’d mark the second consecutive season in which extension talks with Bryant and agent Scott Boras failed to bear fruit; SI’s Tom Verducci reported in April 2017 that the Cubs and Bryant “got nowhere” in negotiations in the 2016-17 offseason.
The decision to turn down that kind of money is interesting in its own right, of course, but Bryant already banked a record $10.85MM as a first-time arbitration player this offseason. He’s also projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn another $12.4MM this offseason and still has another two trips through the arb process remaining beyond that. Paired with a whopping $6.7MM signing bonus out of the draft and numerous endorsement deals, Bryant undoubtedly already has the financial stability to bet on himself. His current trajectory has him on pace to reach free agency at the age of 29, in advance of his age-30 season, so he’d certainly be young enough to command a massive deal in free agency after going year to year through the arbitration process and banking a sum in excess of $50MM along the way.
While much of the focus of the report is understandably on Bryant, that’s perhaps not seeing the forest for the trees. Bryant, a former NL Rookie of the Year and NL MVP, carries perhaps the highest profile of any Cubs player, but the notion that the Cubs could deal from the existing roster — juxtaposed with recent reports on the team’s potential payroll constraints — could at the very least hint at the possibility of unexpected trades involving other notable players. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein described the Cubs’ offense as “broken” after the team’s Wild Card exit and has spoken about the need to repair that element of the Cubs.
However, if the Cubs are indeed facing payroll limitations and thus unable to play at the very top of the free-agent market for bats, then there’d be little alternative to shuffling the deck a bit by dealing some established players on the trade market. The aim, presumably, would not be to embark on any real rebuilding effort but to create some payroll flexibility while giving a still-competitive lineup something of a face lift. All things considered, it’s tough to see how a Bryant trade would really aid the Cubs’ cause.
johnrealtime
I like this headline much more than the clickbait on ESPN: ”
Sources: Cubs open to moving 3B Bryant in trade”
iverbure
I don’t know what the Cubs could possibly get for Bryant that would help them win a World Series now and in the future? Talent for talent trades rarely ever take place. This report seems onerous.
Paul_25
Bumgarner, Longoria, and Heliot Ramos for Bryant.
Kayrall
lol
vtadave
Hopefully that’s a joke.
Braves_R_Back
Hahahaha upside as Acuna hahahahahaha
jekporkins
BHWAHWHAWHWHWAHAAAAA.
jc48
Bumgarner and Longoria for Bryant and Darvish.
Polymath
Bryant to the Cardinals for Ernie Broglio, III.
KB R.
Upside similar to Acuna? How so? The dude is 18 years old, has only advanced to single A ball this year….. and hit a pedestrian .245 with a .313 OBP in 535 plate appearances.
Bumgarner is entering his last year of his current deal…… a year in which he turns 30. He’s also missed significant time the last 2 seasons, and when he did play he hasn’t exactly been Bumgarner-of-old-like. FIPs the last two years near 4.00. Not to mention he’ll likely be getting a large new deal after 2019…… so why trade Bryant and swap him for a guy you HAVE to pay big money too just sooner…. much sooner?
As for 33 year old (in 2019) Evan Longoria…… meh.
If they trade Bryant it will likely be for an organization’s top prospect….. .and then at least 1-2 more in their top 10. Like to the Padres for both SS Fernando Tatis Jr. AND LHP Mackenzie Gore or Chris Paddack……. and another minor leaguer on top of that.. Or a deal to the Braves for, say, RHP Mike Sorotka or at least MiLB RHP Ian Anderson, MiLB 3B Austin Riley, and another minor leaguer.
callingoutdummies247
Too many dummies to call out here…. you probably already know who you are
Zach725
Braves shouldn’t do this. But I can’t see the cubs turning down an offer of Acuña, Newcomb, and a couple top 10 pitchers. That trade would never happen though.
jlm7552
Entirely too much coming from the Braves on that one. They shouldn’t even think about Acuna straight up. Cubs do and will need pitching though, so newcomb isn’t a bad start. But as you said, it won’t happen
KB R.
Bryant played like an average player this year…… with a bum shoulder all year. He has a ROY award, MVP, and a top 10 finish in MVP voting in 2017 under his belt in his whopping 4 year career. What has Acuna done so far, exactly. Have a good debut season? Nothing is guaranteed from that dude. Another guy who had a monster debut season who turned out to be nothing special…… Yasiel Puig.
Cubs don’t have to trade Bryant. They’d have to be blown away. Acuna, Newcomb, and a couple decent minor leaguers…… is a start. “Too much from the Braves” is a bit of a joke. A back end of the rotation starter, a dime a dozen good OFer, and a couple minor leaguers….. not exactly jaw dropping. If it was Acuna, Soroka, and then a top 15 prospect from their system…… my interest would be piqued.
But this is all for nothing. The Cubs won’t trade Bryant. That said……. I wouldn’t be opposed to a soft rebuild. They have AMPLE trade bait and it could garner some top level prospects near making their debuts, or players who already made their debut in 2018 but barely got their feet wet. Is that necessary though? No. They still have a majority of their best players under control for the next 2-3 years. So it’s not like it’s a dire situation that they need to jettison some of this soon to be expensive talent. As for Rizzo……. I don’t see them ever trading him. Rizzo seems like a dude who is destined to be a career Cub. Cubs got lucky on their latest rebuild. It netted them 3 straight NLCS appearances and a WS win. But as a result it has left their farm system barren. Starting to rebuild that system up with talent is pretty drastic at this point. Rebuilds are hit and miss. I mean look across town at the Sox. All those “top tier” prospects they netted the last year or two are all busts or dealing with serious injuries. Giolito…… bust. Kopech…. injured. Moncada…… bust. Jimenez…… battling leg injuries already….. sounds like Jorge Soler 2.0 possibly. Who was their top guy before these moves? Carson Fulmer? Something like that. Bust. A farm system that was supposedly loaded with top tier prospects has yielded pretty much nothing so far. Then look at the Brewers. They had a nice farm system a couple years ago but surprised everyone in 2017 by being competitive……. then they got overconfident and started trading all their prospects that they were supposed to rebuild with and now are a somewhat old team on the field with a bunch of aging, rejects from other teams aside from Cain and Yelich. They’re old and slow on the field. Their SP is something to be desired, and their bullpen is solid…. but that’s meaningless when you have a questionable rotation and a “meh” offense. They were rebuilding to be competitive for about a 5-6 year stretch. But because they shot their load too soon their window is now likely maybe the next 2 years. The Brewers have almost as bad a farm system as the Cubs…… but what young player do they have on their ML roster that is a product of said system? Hader? Their system has produced next to nothing and it’s still a barren wasteland down there.
The Cubs have money coming out of their ears. They can afford pretty much anything they want. Hell, they have 3 SPs making $20M or more for 2019 in Lester, Hamels, and Darvish now. Hamels and Lester will be off the books within the next two years, so that’s $40+M coming off the books in just 2 players right there. Then there is the fact that after 2019 they’re likely going to sign a huge TV deal or….. more the more lucrative option – create their own network. They do that and they could rock $250+M payrolls for as long as they feel like. After 2020 they can trade Heyward to any willing party for a bucket of balls, and eat 1/3 to half his remaining salary seeing as after 2020 he no longer has a no trade clause whatsoever. So at least half his salary will be off the books so that frees up $11-12 more million. Point is…… they’ll have ample money to retain Bryant, Rizzo, Contreras, Baez, Hendricks, Schwarber and pretty much anyone else they want to stick around.
Throwing the thought that “anyone is tradable” is nothing new from Epstein. I think he says that pretty much every year yet people keep acting like they’re about to trade someone. They might trade Russell but it won’t be an earth shattering deal. As far as trading any of their top tier guys….. I seriously doubt it. It would REQUIRE the other team to cough up a lot…… A. LOT.
uncle1sock
Saw that again
ncaachampillini
Very well thought out and articulated.
eagle1105
Very well put!
xabial
In before Cubs’ fans heads explode.
johnrealtime
I’m intrigued by this. Epstein and Co. may have had some misses in the FA market over the years but they are typically pretty great when it comes to trades. This isn’t like past come management administrations where I have feared for how they would mess this one up. I’d hate to see them lose some franchise cornerstones but find the possible haul intriguing.
I agree with the concept of no player being “untouchable”. If you close your ears to offers, you close yourself off to a franchise altering deal where you rip-off a rival team badly. Even Trout isn’t as valuable as some collection of players/prospects out there, it is just very unlikely (but possible) that someone would pay that price
Palmerpark
Funny – Hot Stove – The origin of Fake News… No big Cub is going anywhere. Book it.
cards81
This is actually a good idea and a ploy…Theo might trade someone but it won’t be a big name…for one it lights a fire under the teams butt…second he doesn’t single anyone out in the team…therefore no one on the team feels like they are dragging the team down or that only they are to be traded…they might trade Schwaber but his name isn’t getting thrown out there because everyone is “available”…if that makes sense
rondon
Oh, come on. Their source is ESPN, the National Enquirer of sports ‘journalism’. No possibility Theo trades him after a down year.
dwilson10
It’s pretty much gonna take a teams whole farm system to acquire Bryant or Rizzo.
Slevin
Yes on Bryant, not so much on Rizzo. Baez is more valuable than Rizzo.
simschifan
The hell he is. Without Rizzo the Cubs don’t even touch the playoffs. He has leadership skills that Bryant and Baez do not. Not to mention the most consistent player they have, offense and defense. That’s a totally dumb statement.
vtadave
Except Rizzo is below average defensively at 1b and Baez is elite up the middle
simschifan
So the gold glove winner at first base is below average? Ok. Makes sense. Without Rizzo flashy Baez would have 20 plus errors. Same with Bryant
rondon
Sure, just overlook the 2nd Gold Glove. If you’re gonna be a hater, at least be an informed one.
petrie000
Except Rizzo is still one of the best defenders at 1b in the league
Admittedly there’s painfully few good defenders at 1b, but that just makes it even more ridiculous to use it as a measure of value
Ry.the.Stunner
Also has a Platinum glove under his belt. So “below average” my ass.
amar
What makes Javier Baez “flashy” other than the fact that he is a great defender and he happens to be Hispanic?
JKB 2
Oh VTADave hhhmm you do not watch much baseball do you?
Rizzo not only just won the gold glove this year its his second gold glove.
Why do you comment when you are so clueless
CrownRocks
2 Gold Gloves disagree with you.
nood4256
Leadership skills. Hahahha the most overrated measure of a player of all time.
Westkycubs
A below average gold Glover?
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Bryant, rizzo , Baez Contreras almora are and should he off limits. Russell would be part of that group if not for the bs his ex wife claimed. There was never anything proven.
Priggs89
Where’s Babe Ruth on that list of the greatest team ever assembled?
thesheriffisnear
Why would Russell be in that group? He hasn’t shown any signs of being an above average player.
Mattimeo09
If there wasn’t anything proved,why did MLB suspend him for 40 games?
MLB doesn’t just throw around 40 game suspensions, especially not for big market clubs.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
He wanted the whole thing behind him. That’s all. Theres literally no prove other that his wifes best friend word against his.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
He had a great year in 2016. Injuries hurt his numbers the last 2 years.
thesheriffisnear
What is great about a .238/.321/.417 slash?
Scott-Boras
His 4.1 war in 2016 is pretty ok
stevebaratta
His 95 RBI in 2016 was very ok. So was this – mlb.com/video/russells-grand-slam/c-1210685983
fasbal1
Let me guess, Theo will be willing to trade, Darvish, Chatwood or Heyward for a bag of balls
Samuel
And therein lies why the owner is putting the brakes on the budget.
If he could, Theo would sign Harper, Machado, or both. Signing even one would doom the budget for at least 10 years, and force the owner to sell.
Both Theo and Boras have done this numerous times. Who following MLB for even a half-dozen years does not know that Bryant is going the Harper route?
The Indians are smart. They know Lindor will be leaving in 3-4 years. Their forte is developing starting pitchers. So they put Kluber or Carassco on the block to get some cost-controlled players, move the other 4 starters up a notch in the rotation, and go about promoting a youngster into the #5 spot.
On the other hand, Theo’s forte is spending other peoples money and bringing in hitters to play their home games in a bandbox ballpark. Make no mistake, either Bryant will be out of there by the 2020 trade deadline, or Theo will bail after the season. Handwriting is on the wall. The Cubs are tapped out, and there are no up-and-coming stars in the farm system.
If only Theo could develop pitching, he’d be the guy most people think he is.
petfoodfella
You can say what you want about Theo, but he broke the two longest droughts in baseball. He could retire tomorrow, and would still go down as one of the best.
Samuel
Yes, he did.
But sustainability is not his long suit.
One of the best? He’s no Branch Rickey, O’Malley, Campanis, Webb, Richards, Dalton, Schuerholz, Sabean, Gillick and a dozen other guys I can name. Do you really think he could have built an organization as high quality and successful as Dayton Moore has done, and is doing again, on budgets usually less then 1/2 of what Epstein has?
petfoodfella
MLB is a results oriented league, and Theo has results on his resume.
mike127
Theo is a hall of famer. Dayton Moore is not. And yes, Theo could have built that organization as well.
Tom
And if you want to get technical, Epstein didn’t build the Red Sox that broke the curse…he was hired after the ’03 season, inheriting a team that went to the 7th game of the ALCS. He has done a terrific job with the Cubs, but the Red Sox were ready-made when he got there. The players just did their jobs in ’04.
Mattimeo09
Bull. Dayton Moore formed a club that went to the World Series back to back.
Epstein hasn’t done that yet.
KP23
Sustainability… yes just ignore everything about theo, just let’s ignore that you could argue theo is somewhat responsible for red Sox still dominating through the last 10 years, even mookie betts. Was drafted by theo. You can say what you want, you can’t find an educated person in professional baseball that won’t put theo in the list of top executives of all time. Troll of the year right here
KP23
Sustainability… yes just ignore everything about theo, just let’s ignore that you could argue theo is somewhat responsible for red Sox still dominating through the last 10 years, even mookie betts. Was drafted by theo. You can say what you want, you can’t find an educated person in professional baseball that won’t put theo in the list of top executives of all time. Troll of the year right here, samuel, says Dayton freaking more lol. And how is Dayton doing with his hometown roster lately?
JKB 2
Not only did Theo draft Betts he drafted Devers and Bogarts and Jackie Bradley Jr.
But Samuel would not know that as he does not know baseball
johnrealtime
Lol signing one of those players would force them to sell the team? That is ridiculous on several levels.
A. Signing one of those players would not even cause the Cubs to operate at a loss. In 2017 they had 457 million dollars in revenue. While I know revenue does not equal profits, but they had a lot of money coming in and I am sure they made a profit. One would expect a similar revenue or perhaps slightly less. Increasing the payroll to even 250 million likely would not even make them operate at a loss.
B. The Ricketts family (Cubs ownership) are very wealthy. They would be able to operate at a loss for many years if they were inclined to. Barring a huge financial catastrophe akin to the McCourts of the Dodgers some years ago, they will never be “forced” to sell this team. If they chose to, they would do so at a very big profit.
Anthony Princeton
It’s more than that though. I know the average Cub fan started following the team in 2015 or 2016 but you have to go back to the acquisition of the Cubs by the Ricketts family. They took on massive debt and the last time I checked their yearly debt service payments were estimated to be around $30m to $35m a year. In addition, the Ricketts/Cubs have been purchasing significant real estate around Wrigley and developing it in recent years. Factor in the possibility of exceeding the luxury tax, bad contracts and young stars about to get very expensive and it all makes sense.
Samuel
Anthony;
Reading blogs or listening to sports talk radio is scary. To the kids participating, the owner is a rich Dad that can afford anything. As illustrated above, they look at the gross revenue costs, subtract the payroll, and figure the difference is profit. No taxes. No expenses. If Dad doesn’t buy them the shiny new free agent they figure he can easily afford, then he’s “cheap”.
Boras got A-Rod’s giant FA contract from the Rangers owner named Cox, i.e. Cox Communications. The young can’t miss players around him didn’t materialize. The team couldn’t draw as projected. Cox was bleeding money. Boras and A-Rod demanded a trade. Cox brought in John Hart to get the payroll under control. Hart ate a bunch of money and got the Yankees to take the contract. Cox had to sell the team.
The Dodgers hired a GM named Malone in the late 90’s or early 2000’s. Called himself – “The New Sheriff In Town”. Boras sold him on some shiny free agents, and maybe taking on some Boras clients contracts. The Dodgers didn’t win anymore then they had before. The team bled money. GM Malone got fired. A bit after that the owners had to sell the team. Boras clients got paid in full.
The kids on here are looking at statistics and salary numbers on their smartphones. They know nothing about even recent history, or business. To them Theo Epstein is a genius, and the Ricketts family has money to burn…..as The Tribune Company did before them.
johnrealtime
I merely pointed out the ridiculousness that the Cubs would be operating at a loss and forced to sell the team if they signed one high priced free agent. The cubs TV deal expires after next year. Expect a ton of new revenue after 2019. Fans pack that stadium even in down years. You know full well that the Cubs profits is not why Tribune Company sold them. They badly needed cash as the newspaper business was falling apart. I’m not sure where you got that Cox business, Tom Hicks bought the Rangers from George W Bush in the 90s and sold them in 2010, a decade after signing A-Rod and many years after trading him away. And he had a lot of financial issues apart from the Rangers
Cubguy13
“The average Cub fan started following the team in 2015 or 2016”
That’s a pretty stupid statement considering how big of a following the Cubs had well before those years
adkuchan
As part of the sale of the Cubs the Ricketts were required to take on a rather substantial debt that the Tribune company racked up. You are correct that it amounted to about 30-35 million a year to repay.
The Cubs “tanking” years weren’t just about acquiring talent, they were also about limiting expenses in order to ease that debt burden.
The Cubs are actually currently owned by a LLC that the Ricketts own the vast majority of. The Trib still owns a percentage as does NBC Sports Chicago.
All of that is set to expire after 2019. The Ricketts will take full control and be rid of that initial debt. That date also coincides with the expiration of their current TV deal.
They may not be big spenders this offseason, but that’s also partly because they should still be a very good team.
That said, financial flexibility shouldn’t be an issue in the future. They won’t be selling a guy like Kris Bryant because they have to. If they want to keep him, there is no reason they shouldn’t be able to.
thecoffinnail
The luxury tax is just a tax on the overage of the spending limit. That is why I don’t understand big market teams clamoring to get under it. The Cubs would be first time offenders next year so they would only be taxed at 20%. So an additional $30 million in payroll would only cost them around $6m. Next year they will shed over $32m with Zobrist and Hamels expiring contracts. So, they can easily get back under if they wanted. If not they shed Chatwood and Lester (another $30m+) the following year.
JKB 2
@Samuel
Yet somehow the “kids” understand baseball more than you do.
Daddy is not buying free agents. Any FA signed by the Cubs are paid by the Cubs from the Cubs gross revenues. The Ricketts family is printing money not putting money in. But you cant comprehend.
A-Rod did not demand a trade. He was traded by Texas as Texas wanted to dump him. He willingly waived his no trade clause to escape the losing situation. A far cry from demanding a trade. You actually think a player with a record contract and many hears left can demand a trade and the team just dumps him? Blahaha even the “kids” understand how clueless you are.
Oh Kevin Malone. Well genius can you name the free agent signing that failed so bad the Dodgers were sold?
Malone signed Kevin Brown in Dec of 1998. 6 years later, in 2004 they were sold. Oh it must have been from the FA contract huh genius?
All the “kids” and the rest of us are laughing right at you again. Hahaha
JKB 2
Oh Anthony you are a Cubs hater. So the average fan became a fan in 2015. Hhhmm so the Cubs were not known for their national fanbase before 2015 then huh? Haha ok troll
JKB 2
Samuel Wrigley field is in the middle of the pack as far a being a bandbox hitter park. Only uneducated fans think Wrigley is a bandbox. I guess you are in that group.
As for the Ricketts having to sell … all I can do is laugh right at you for your ignorence. Hahahhaha
Jockstrapper
Or it’s just clickbait.
Samuel
“It is jarring to see his name included in this ESPN headline — “Cubs open to trading 3B Kris Bryant” — but that doesn’t quite seem a fair encapsulation of Olney’s report.”
ESPN – the Fake News of sports.
Cat Mando
Olney also said “Theo Epstein, the head of baseball operations, was asked earlier this week at the GM meetings about the availability of Bryant and first baseman Anthony Rizzo in trades.” Notice the words earlier this week? If it was a “real” story and teams were in negotiations I would imagine he would have printed something earlier. The most interesting quotes in the article were from Chili Davis.
It’s a Friday filler article that even MLB picked up and ran with.
Mattimeo09
MLB has so many filler articles.
Anyone else remember how many times they showed the article for “5-way Wild Card ties?” Absurd.
Kayrall
Yea, I didn’t realize people paid attention to them still, especially in the baseball world.
sk27
The Cubs trading arguably their best and likely their most marketable player after a down year with 3 years of control left while still trying to win a World Series … yah, not a story …
batty
Why not? Bryant filed a grievance over the Cubs holding him in the minors to delay his arb years and Boras is Bryant’s agent. He also turned down a reported $200+ mil contract offer. Maybe there is some disconnect between player and organization that is giving the FO and owners some impetus to move him early in his career to get a better return now.
To totally call this a non story is short-sighted at this point.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Filed a grievance but also admitted he understood the business part and later dropped it as well. If Bryant is smart he stays a Cubs player his whole career.
He was never offered 200mil over 10 years. That literally was talking. Heads making s@!# up.
Mattimeo09
Care to cite a source?
If I have to choose between several articles saying Bryant turned down an extension, or one butt-hurt Cubs fan, I’ll choose the articles.
Might want to change your username ahead of time.
Priggs89
If Bryant is smart, he’ll go wherever is best for his family. Maybe the decision is financially motivated, maybe it isn’t. Maybe he stays with the Cubs, maybe he doesn’t. Being a career Cub is SIGNIFICANTLY less important than having a happy family.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
From what I heard his wife loves Chicago as does kb. He has a home in las Vegas in the offseason.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Why bother giving a source. When there’s no evidence of it. This site would be the first to report it. Or one of the first. And it was never here.
JKB 2
No one said the offer was for ten years. Nice try
mistry gm
I believe it was a great motivational move. It’s a “let’s start hitting the ball guys or you job won’t be safe”. Great idea Mr. Epstein.
Charkip
This is why no one watches ESPN anymore
beardedface_killah
Send Jon Lester back to Boston.
ChiSoxCity
Send Chris Sale back to Chicago and we have a deal.
azcm2511
if I was Dombrowski and Epstein made me that offer I would take it. Sale is in his contract year and getting more and more fragile as he ages. Lester has a few years left on his contract but is still a close to top of the rotation starter and probably will be for the rest of his contract. Yeah….I make that deal.
vtadave
Lol Lester is owed 2/47.5 if his 2021 option is declines. 3/62.5 if both sides exercise, which rarely happens. Sale is a FA after next season, but the Cubs would jump all over that deal.
ncaachampillini
The Cubs would jump over 1 year of Sale for 3 years of KB? Just stop it.
ChiSoxCity
Can you read?
JKB 2
Well with one year left on deGroms contract I would guess it would be the Cubs saying no.
JKB 2
Hey ncaachamp. I can not find a post here that suggests anyone commented to trade KB for Sale. Where did you get that from?
downsr30
Bryant, Chatwood and some $ for DeGrom. Who says no?
beardedface_killah
Or for Thor.
justacubsfan
The cubs in a heartbeat. Why trade a cornerstone who had 3 years left for 2 years left. Oh and you’re throwing in cash. I think cubs would take chatwood to airport if someone traded for him.
deweybelongsinthehall
Probably the Mets unless the Cubs threw in substantial $$$…
Danny B.
Chatwood is garbage. For one of the best pitcher in MLB, let’s do Byrant, Baez & Bote for Syndergaard and Alonso. Absolutely a fair trade.
deweybelongsinthehall
A steal for the Mets. Cubbies never would do that trade.
ChiSoxCity
Mets pitchers are damaged goods. Baez is a future HOFer if he stays healthy.
Killjoy391
Future HOF after one good year? Come on now. More likely a career year for him
ChiSoxCity
He’s elite with a bat and glove, and he’s still young. You couldn’t say the same for quite a few guys in the HOF right now. Will have a shot at gg, silver bat for the next 5-6 years.
Mattimeo09
Can’t hit a curveball.
CrownRocks
Future HoFer?!??
LOL!!
He had, most likely, a career year, and now he’s a future HoFer???
The guy has ZERO plate discipline.
He’ll be swinging at sliders in the dirt, LONG AFTER you realize your comment was ridiculous LOL!
JKB 2
Mattimeo09 he hits curveballs outstandingly well
See you should pay attention to the game. When he was chasing curves in the dirt he was not MVP caliber. But when he adjusted … wow. Sky ks the limit.
JKB 2
Zero plate discipline? Really. Yet somehow he is an MVP finalist. Dam he must be good.
You see ChiSoxCity actually watches baseball and will still be watching long after he and the rest of us realize how ridiculous your comment was
jdgoat
Lmao that’s way too much for Syndergaard
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Syndergaard was traded for RA Dickey. If chatwood threw a knuckleball ball he could be packaged 3 rookie ball players for Syndergaard
simschifan
He’s also a tommy john waiting to happen
bush1
Again They don’t need Alonso.
JKB 2
Absolutely a terrible trade for the Cubs Danny B.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
They wouldn’t even pick up the ph1 after that horrible offer.
chippahawk
Just like the saying goes ‘everything is always for sale.”
lesterdnightfly
Especially the gullibility of readers and fans.
lesterdnightfly
Downvoters are proving my point. Thanks !
chippahawk
Someday the younger millennial crowd might grasp how life works.. Until then downvote away!
bush1
Right but that doesn’t mean a turd like Buster needs to make up things about Bryant. Clearly click bait
justacubsfan
Yeah, I almost broke everything in the office. I didn’t because it just said open to anyone. Obvious click bait. If they don’t get Bryce, why not give a guy like Kris an extension, instead of trade… I would be okay if the cubs spent 20-30 million on bullpen upgrades for 2019 season. Realistically no real upgrades for SP on market, and I doubt they want to sell low on Russell, Happ or almora. Give this team another chance before trading guys.
iverbure
Why do you need to spend that much on RP when you can get decent RP in trade who make far less. Barraclough was just had for int bonus money for example. This notion that you spend and get this great pen as a result is ludicrous. RP are all inconsist from year to year as a position, spending a bunch doesn’t guarantee it either despite what Scott Boras will say
jnoch2008
Can’t sell anything but low on Russel, that’s a fact
themed
I guess the cubs do have limits on payroll. But according to most cub fans here they have an unlimited payroll and can buy anyone they want.
getright11
Worry about your Cards.
simschifan
That’s because Rickets is spending his money to help his buddy Trump
petrie000
They do have unlimited payroll, they just may not want to blow through the luxury tax just yet. They may be choosing restraint until they can extend some key players instead of committing long term contracts to new ones.
Just because they won’t doesn’t mean they can’t
bush1
The Cubs have a huge payroll of 230 million already. It’s not like they’re trying to be cheap, just cut back a bit, but not be dealing KB. That’s just stupid..
Danny B.
Now here is the perfect situation for the Mets. They need a player at the cornerstone and Bryant is just entering his prime. Offer up Alonso, Wheeler & another Top Prospect and I believe that would be enough to get a deal done.
lesterdnightfly
If you take this as serious news, go trade those guys for the Brooklyn Bridge.
iverbure
Why would the cubs want Alonso? They have Rizzo and Alonso is ready to play now. Along with not even being close to fair trade.
Danny B.
Fair point.
bush1
The Cubs have Rizzo and no need for Alonso, and Wheeler is an injury prone guy a year from free agency. Not even close to a good offer.
lesterdnightfly
This is bogus “reporting”.
Notice that Buster doesn’t even name his “sources”, or what kind of “sources” they are. Even in cases of anonymous sources, you say something like “MLB executives” or “a former GM” or “a person in the team’s front office”.
I think Buster was reluctant to use “A person I report to who said I had to write something controversially click-baiting today”.
lesterdnightfly
OK, downvoters, find me his “sources”.
lesterdnightfly
I’m waiting, Cardinals fans and other Cubs haters…..What would be Buster’s “sources”?
Bryzzo2016
Haha, exactly.
simschifan
Theo said “I answered a general question about whether we have untouchables. Like most every organization, we will listen to anything, but that’s just an operating philosophy.” Sounds pretty click baity to me. Nobody that watches baseball cares about espn
bcjd
Olney provides a direct quote from Epstein that none of the players are “untouchable.” How is that not a source?
The flaw in the report is not the information, but the spin.
Wahoo What a Finish!
Bryant for Kluber straight up.
Danny B.
Not enough for the Cubs. Kluber has only 1 yr left on his contract and in his 30’s. Makes zero sense for the Cubs.
pinstripes17
Doesn’t Kluber still have like 3 years left? Still I don’t see the Cubs doing that.
vtadave
Kluber has club options through 2021
ncaachampillini
Not the worst offer I’ve ever heard but still light on the Cubs return. Star hitter ALWAYS > Star pitcher.
downsr30
Trade Bryant and Chatwood for DeGrom, sign Machado. Your team just got a lot better.
Cubs have gotta figure they won 95 games last year without Bryant being his normal self. A healthy Mike Moustakas could even replace him at 3rd, and if you have DeGrom, you’re a better team than you were last year and much more equipped for the playoffs.
Danny B.
Nobody wants Chatwood. He’s deadweight.
ChiSoxCity
Bryant is a better player than Machado.
simschifan
Woh woh, I wouldn’t go that far. I’d have to look at numbers defensively and offensively. I would say Bryant defensively is not as good even though he is more versatile. I’ll wait and see what he does next year to make that decision. He is not a clutch hitter at all. They both have their issues.
ChiSoxCity
Bryant, when healthy, is an mvp caliber player, like Machado. Unlike Machado, Bryant can play multiple infield and outfield positions, because he runs extremely well. I’d have to see Bryant healthy again, but yeah I’d take him over Machado if I’m forced to commit longterm to one of them N.L.).
bush1
Machado is elite at 3rd. He wants to play shortstop where he’s below average.m though. Bryant is average to slightly above average at multiple positions and a better base runner.
simschifan
If he returns healthy and has a season comparable to his previous than yes I would agree. He wasn’t the same after getting hit in the face.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
They actually get worse if you trade Bryant. Bryant and Rizzo need to stay together the rest of their careers.
simschifan
You’re just nervous that you would have to change your name.
theoepsteinhof
Don’t remember ever hearing & reading so many negatives about a team that won 95 games.
Win the most games in MLB over a 4-year period and this is what it sounds like?
Click-bait for sure!!
natelowda2
They won’t be able to pay all of them. That is really what it comes down to in my opinion.
lesterdnightfly
Oh, the gullibility of fans who think that the Cubs are shopping Bryant or would take their team’s rejects for him.
Buster is laughing smugly in some watering hole right now.
stan lee the manly
Only two reasons this would be even remotely true. 1) The Cubs are worried that Bryant’s shoulder will be a long-term issue or 2) Management wants to put pressure on Bryant after he turned down their extension.
Otherwise, fake news.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
So you chose to ignore the part that says, “Notably, too, Epstein added an important proviso: ‘Given what we’re trying to accomplish,” he said, “it would be virtually impossible to envision the deal that would make sense to move them.'”
GarryHarris
Cory Kluber for Kris Bryant.
Robertowannabe
Every team is open to trade any player on their roster or in their system. Always has been that way and always will be that way. Every GM will listen to every offer they get. Most will get laughed off but you at least have to listen. You never know when some fool may offer you the sun, moon, and a couple other planets for one of your players and it is the proverbial offer that you can’t refuse. Almost never happens but you have to listen just to make sure.
bravesfan88
THANK YOU!! FINALLY, someone making sense in this comments section.
Almost every single fan, regardless whether they are true, passionate and educated fans, or fairweather, casual fans, they tend to think their favorite players and/or prospects are generally “untouchable.”
That couldn’t be further from the truth. EVERY SINGLE PLAYER is AVAILABLE FOR THE RIGHT PRICE!! The issue is, most teams aren’t willing to meet the high demands for such superstar players and/or rising prospects. However, if a team comes calling, and asking for Bryant for example, the Cubs would listen to what they’re initially offerring. Although, more often than not, a team won’t even bother to call about such a player, because they know the conversation isn’t going to get very far…
Point is, even though it’s highly unlikely any high profile young stars or promising prospect’s will be moved, that certainly doesn’t mean those types of players aren’t available for the right price..
MoyBoy1974
pair Bryant with Heyward and its a great way to get some financial flexibility.
maybe?
iverbure
the Days of attaching the worst contract in the game with a great player are over. Teams are valuing payroll flexibility over anything right now. Heyward god awful deal far outweighs Bryant great value.
frankf
This is what’s known as early offseason trolling.
swanhenge
Nice work Mr Adams. Blatant clickbait articles like this need to be called out as such. Your traffic places you as a legitimate source of news, rumors or not. It’s good see a site w a voice push back on Olney and the like. Kudos.
Now, about those FA predictions… haha
TrueOutcomeFan
Buster used to be better than this. That was some weak dot connecting and speculating.
walls17
this was really bad reporting by buster olney and im glad that others here picked up on it. and the media wonders why people dont trust them nowadays
Robertowannabe
It is not bad reporting. Just reporting the obvious. Every team is willing to trade any player. The problem is, most teams will never give up what it would take to obtain the best players on most teams. Every GM listens to every offer. 99.9% of the answer they give is a No. The amount of laughter included in the answer depends on how weak the offer was. 🙂
bush1
It’s weak reporting because yes any player should always have a price. But Buster clearly went out of his way to mention Bryant like he could be had at a cheaper level which obviously isn’t true at all. He’s trying to get views, that’s the whole reason Bryant’s name was in the article.
PadSquad.619
Padres would be interested if true…. Baez/Morejon/Renfroe/Hedges/Quantrill
Priggs89
Then they should probably send over something other than their spare parts. Try starting with one of Tatis/Gore and going from there.
SanDiegoTom
but Could we pay him in 2 years? Probably not worth it, but you know, preller…
I Believe We Can Win
Not worth it for the padres. What it would take isnt worth it.
You could offer didi gregarious a 4 year deal. 2 years guaranteed 1 year club option 1 year player option to play ss and move tatis jr to 3rd if Yankees dont offer didi arb due to tjs.
bush1
Thats just a pile of crap the Pads don’t even want. That’s not going to touch a guy like Bryant.
Honestabe
Trading KB would only further turn off life long Cub fans. This is just grand standing hoping Tom will open the purse strings back up.
Injediwetrust
Speaking as a Padres fan; if the Cubs are serious and AJ doesnt make an attempt I would see it as a missed opportunity. Bryant would move the needle with his San Diego connection and would put butts in seats. It could be as simple as calling his bluff to facilitate signing one with the Cubs or starting to explore what teams would offer for a a player like him.
Regardless, I know Im probably gona get crushed but something like Gore, Allen, Margot, and Potts seems like a solid package. 2 in the top 76, 1 being top 15. Near ML ready controlable starter and a future one. Theo and Jed have history with Margot and Allen. Potts replaces the 3B depth long term and Bote can bridge the gap. Heck even throw in an Avila that is rule 5 elidgible. The toughest one is Allen cause he could play into San Diego’s immediate future and perhaps you sub in Espinoza but that would put the pitching solutions for the Cubs further away and Espinoza isnt back on the top 100 list yet.
Giving up premium prospects like that; they would have to be willing to have a real shot at resigning/ extending him. The Pads could very easily afford him in 2022 and beyond cause Myers should be gone and Hos would be in the last year prior to the opt out. I dont know the Cubs needs well but there are plenty of combinations that would make a serious offer and still not hurt the immediate/ distant future of the team (i.e. Tatis and Paddack).
These names are far from spare parts and the system is still pretty in tact..
Flame suit on.
bleacherbum
Very good/value points.
Kris Bryant is still a bit of a local hero from his time at USD. He will be well received.
I like your proposal but I would tweak it a bit. Margot is the same player as Almora, don’t see the Cubs really wanting that. Keep in mind, Jed Hoyer drafted Hunter Renfroe and Cory Spangenberg. Based off the current roster constraints they don’t really fit in long term for the Padres plans.
I’d start with LF Hunter Renfroe, LHP Joey Lucchesi, RP Kirby Yates, UTL Corey Spangenberg and RHP Pedro Avila.
All of that straight up for Bryant.
For the Padres, moving Renfroe opens up LF for Myers and his bloated contract. Sucks to give up Renfroe but you have to give something to get something. He can play more RF in CHI while Heyward plays center.
Lucchesi is a young controllable arm that the cubs desperately need. They cleaned the cupboard out for the deals they made for Quintana, Chapman, etc. He can a lot into the back end of that rotation and give it more length.
Yates is an immediate answer in the back end of the pen with 3 more years of control. He can set up for Morrow/Strop.
Spangenberg is 2B/3B depth, very similar skill set as to what LaStella provided. Plus like stated above, he is know by Hoyer because he was drafted 2 spots behind Javier Baez in 2011 in the first round. Maybe a change of scenery helps Spangey.
The cubs get huge value here.
bleacherbum
The Padres would end up with Myers/Jankowski in LF again, Margot/Cordero in CF, Reyes, Jankowski RF. C Hedges/Mejia, 1B Hosmer, 2B Urias, SS Tatis Jr., 3B Bryant.
Wait for the rest of the pitching to develop because that would be a very nice starting combination left over, even after Renfroe leaving the picture.
Seamaholic
Bryant straight up for Arenado. Cubs get a guy willing to talk to them about an extension. Rockies get another couple years before they have to start rebuilding.
restingmitchface
What makes you think Bryant would want to talk extension? It’d be horrible timing for the guy based on his 2018 output/injury concerns.
seamaholic 2
He wouldn’t. That’s … kind of my point.
JKB 2
Why would Arenado talk to the Cubs but not the Rockies?
ncaachampillini
Arenado has like 1 year left vs 3 for KB. Just dumb.
Priggs89
Eloy for Bryant. Hah. Then he can play with his childhood best buddy, Bryce Harper, like Cubs fans have been envisioning for years – only it’ll be on the South Side.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Harper isn’t gonna sign with a team that is 3 years from a winning season and 4 or 5 from being a playoff team
petrie000
Don’t crush his dreams
Let the Sox themselves do it… Again
Priggs89
We’ll see.
And the Sox have never crushed my dreams. I’ve got pretty realistic expectations.
ncaachampillini
ok Jim Carey- enjoy your “you’re saying there’s a chance” pipe dream of Harper or Machado going to the South side. Nobody would voluntarily torture themselves to play there.
simschifan
Money talks
JKB 2
Sorry to crush your dream but Harper is not signing with a team with a small fanbase and where that team is an afterthought in the City of Chicago that still has the Cubs as undisputed owners of Chicago
MetsYankeesRedSox
Cubs going into year 3 of another 108 year rebuild.
restingmitchface
They’ve got some really nice pieces so I’m not counting ‘em out. That said, the Darvish and Heyward money isn’t helping matters. And I’m assuming they’ll dump Addison Russell — not that that’s a big loss.
Cubguy13
Oh the oft used “cubs are headed for a 108 year drought again” joke. Way to be creative….
mike127
What the trolls tend to leave out of their “creativity” is that the baseline is solid at 108……it just does not happen to be 111. In a roundabout way they are focusing on the World Series championship, not the years between.
JKB 2
108 year rebuild? I don’t get it
restingmitchface
I can’t stand ESPN and their clickbait headlines. Thank you for resisting the temptation to do the same.
stansfield123
Cubs are at $209M payroll, and $222M AAV-payroll (that’s what counts for the luxury tax). That’s something they can live with, but it means they have to stay with what they have for the whole season.
So it would be interesting to see if they would go for one of those combo deals, where you get Bryant or Rizzo, but have to also take this other guy.
For instance, Bryant and Darvish to the Yankees for Clint Frazier and Sonny Gray. Or Bryant and Darvish to the Red Sox for Devers. (though it’s unclear that the Red Sox could actually afford taking on that much money)
bush1
Are you kidding me Bryant and Darvish die Gray and Frazier? Lol. The Yankees hate Gray and he has very little value and Frazier’s value isn’t the great either. That’s an awful proposal. So is the Devera idea..
ChiSoxCity
Wow, what a craptastic trade proposal. stansfield, you must be a Yankees fan, right?
JKB 2
I am sorry. Did you really say Bryant and Darvish should be offered to the Yankees for Gray and Frazier?
Aaron Sapoznik
I believe that there is a bit of animosity from Kris Bryan’ts end that began when the Cubs delayed his MLB debut in order to gain an extra year of free agency. Everyone knew the possibility that this might affect their relationship and you best believe that Scott Boras won’t let him forget about it. The Cubs decision was hardly an isolated case and was brought about due to the CBA that both the players and owners agreed upon. Boras is not an agent who typically agrees to early contract extensions with his clients anyway preferring instead for the earliest possible entry into free agency. As a result, the Cubs will be need to protect their own interests which might include an eventual trade of Bryant as he nears his walk season. The organization made a business decision in April of 2015. Bryant and Boras have reciprocated by reportedly passing on a $200MM + contract extension.
Knowthemarket
I don’t know about this. To say Bryant is theoretically available at the right price is like saying if the Padres put together a package of Tatis/Gore/Meija/Urias would that get them Bryant? The answer is yes. Of course it would. The Padres would be stupid to offer that and the Cubs would be stupid to turn it down. I’m not sure the article is pointing out much more than that there really is no player unavailable if you pay enough.
bush1
This report is a complete crock. Olney is clearly trying to get views, and it’s working. Bryant won’t get traded after a down year, with his value at an all time low. Just because any player should always have a price doesn’t mean at all that it’s remotely likely.
912boy
Braves get Bryant and Heyward , Cubs eat some of Heywards contract,Braves also trade Teheran to separate team, still have plenty of salary to spend and if Heyward contract cost us say $11 million a year that’s paying Teheran’s. Send Camargo or Riley and some prospects to Chicago, sign Wilson Ramos, Craig Kimbrel, and we still have money to spend.
juicemane
Padres trade for Bryant and Baez. Sign Machado and Corbin and Harper. Trade for Kluber and Bauer. Trade Myers and Hosmer for Bullpen pieces with high bad contracts to even things out. Padres win 5 world series over next 7 years. And we still never reach 300 mil a year like the Dodgers. Thats my fantasy thanks for sharing yours
tominco
Hey. I’ll bet the cardinals would trade Brett Cecil for Bryant. Heck. I’ll throw in dexter Fowler too.
Brick House Coffee Tables Inc
Bryant, Almora,, Quintana,, and Edwards for Trout and a couple of minor league arms.
The Angels start their rebuild with some reasonable pieces, and Trout gets three chances to win a World Series in Chicago that he’ll never have in Anaheim.
jmorrison8
Why go that far? I’d rather see Quintana, Russell, Edwards, and something to balance for Andrelton Simmons.
jmorrison8
Follow that with Chatwood, Kintzler, and a mid-level upside type prospect to the Orioles for Alex Cobb.
Both of those are even money deals from a payroll perspective, while upgrading the team in a key area, and shredding a bad contract.
ChiSoxCity
Alex Cobb? Really?
jmorrison8
Yeah. why not?
ChiSoxCity
Wth are they going to do with Cobb? He’s just as mediocre as Chatwood. And that other trade you proposed above was just… there aren’t words.
jvent
How about Syndergaard and Frazier. To the cubs for Bryant and Chatwood.
Than the Mets sign Corbin,Ramos and 2 Rp’s.
Mets infield: Alonso,McNeil,Rosario,Bryant and Ramos.
Of: Conforto,Nimmo and Bruce till Cespedes comes back.
Rotation: deGrom,Corbin,Wheeler,Matz and Chatwood.
angler
OK Cubbie fans how about this – and then you can go run after Harper. Cubs send to Braves: Bryant, Heyward, $40M to offset Heyward and Catching Prospect Miguel Amaya. Braves send to Cubs: Mike Soroka, Luis Gohara and Rio Ruiz. Who hangs up first????
mike127
So, I’m trying to rationalize this in any way possible—-by the time Bryant was 24 he had won a Rookie of the Year, an MVP and a World Series. Ruiz is 24 and has hit under .190 in less than 200 major league at bats. Gohara is the #5 pitching prospect in the Braves organization. So you expect the Cubs to pay $40M for the right to pay Harper another $400 million or so, give up their #1 prospect (though a long ways away) for Soroka.
So—even if they don’t sign Harper, they’ve traded their best player (Bryant), Heyward, Amaya and $40M for three prospects.
I’m guessing the Cubs change their number before the Braves make the call.
I’m missing a rational explanation for this offer.
angler
Maybe take a deep breath – some more color. Heyward is an albatross. Not a $20M/yr player. Cardinals are thanking Cubs for doing this contract. No secret Cubs want out – much like Braves rid BJ Upton when they shipped Kimbrel to Padres. $40M is to get his salary to like $12-$13M/yr which is all he is. He is owed like $110M to 2022. Cubs want to keep, pay and play his at those figures – have at it. Not relating this to Harper – but there is chatter about Harper/Cubs link. This would be a way to free up $$$ and make a run at Harper. If they want to pay Heyward $20m per year to not be a regular starter when the games count – like we saw this year – then cool. Cubs can do what they want – could care less if its Harper or not. So thats the link. Bryants not the best player – sorry. Baez is. But he is very valuable. .. Cubs need pitching – badly. Cheap pitching even more badly. Braves have it. Soroka isnt a prospect anymore – He showed he is a 2. Gohara is the fifth because the Braves are STACKED. Gohara is a prospect but ready for breakout this year. Some people – not me – project him as a 1. High ceiling regardless with control. Both can help Cubs in 2019. Rio is a 3B who can play but is sizing more of a AAAA guy. Then again thats what Tommy La Stella was for the Braves – so possibly a change of scenery guy. So if the Cubs hang up then what would be the counter. If there is one.
Soxman81
Wonder if the Padres would be willing to offer Tatis up in exchange for Bryant? Cubs might even be willing to part with Russell as well if the Pads throw in a reliever or offer to take Heyward back and pay some of his contract.
titanic struggle
Bryant to the Reds for B. Hamilton, H. Bailey and 5 PTBNL…
Westkycubs
How about this. If we can’t sign Harper the Cubs just go out sign a few bullpen pieces and call it quits on the off-season. We have our rotation. You know Darvish could very well have a Decent season next year and we could have a great rotation. With the said signings of a few bullpen pieces we could have a great bulllen. As for the lineup things like the second half slump last year happens to teams. Are the Cubs the only team that has ever slumped and not lived up to expectations for a given year? I think not. As a Cubs fan I would rather not panic and make a stupid trade. Our core is still pretty good. Rizzo is, well Rizzo. Baez developed into a superstar and most likely will improve not regress. Zobrist showed he didn’t forget how to hit. If Bryant rebounds from a down injury year and we can get a quality backup catcher and rest Contreras more to bring his numbers back up a little we have an awesome infield. Now looking at the outfield start with Heyward. Painful thimg watching him play out that contract. Definitely an albatross. But in Schwarbs, Happ and Almora folks forget these are really young players with very little experience at the major league level. If I remember right even the best hitters or ones who start their careers as phenoms need 3 or 4 years at this level to live up to their true potential. Things like sophomore jinxes happen. Those 3 have talent and have all shown at least a decent work ethic. Happ and Shwarbs have basically learned at the big league level with little seasoning in the minors. With Bote, La Stella and kick me but keep Russell and a decent backup catcher aquired we could have a versatile and talented bench. What I am saying is we do not need to blow this team up and panic and start dumping guys. If we can’t add Harper let’s add some complimentary pieces and run with this team once more. Still plenty of talent and the ones that need experience are getting it. I really look for some of these guys who slumped at the end of last year to rebound next year. As far as trading Bryant is concerned forget it. The only way we should even consider it is as mentioned above a team just gives a stupid offer that we can’t refuse or if he is in his last year of team control and makes it obvious he isn’t resigning so we could at least get something in return before we lost him anyway.
wrigleyhawkeye
But I just bought my 3 year old a Bryant jersey for his birthday…
dray16
Toot