Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein met with reporters Monday to discuss the team’s disappointing season, its upcoming winter and its newly launched search for a manager. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com and Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune were among those on hand.
Just as previous manager Joe Maddon wasn’t safe after the Cubs sputtered to 84-78 finish, multiple stars on the team’s roster could be in danger of exiting the franchise. Specifically, Epstein seemingly isn’t slamming the door shut on potential trades involving third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant or shortstop Javier Baez.
“I think they’re both hugely important, and it’d be hard to see them out of a Cubs uniform, but we’re at a transition point, and we have to do whatever is best for the Cubs,” Epstein said. “I hope it includes both of those guys.”
As two of the finest players in the game, Bryant and Baez have been vital to the Cubs’ cause throughout their careers. However, the club’s control over them is waning. Both players are scheduled to enter arbitration for the second-last time during the winter, with the former NL MVP Bryant about to become especially expensive. Bryant earned $12.9MM this season, during which the 27-year-old posted star-caliber numbers yet again. Baez, 26, took home a more modest $5.2MM, and though injuries held him to 138 appearances, he enjoyed his second straight year of premier production for his position.
As of last February, the Cubs hadn’t discussed extensions with either Bryant or Baez. If the Cubs aren’t optimistic they can lock up either player, that could possibly persuade them to shop one or both. However, contending without Bryant and-or Baez would only be more difficult, and Epstein noted that winning “is a priority” in 2020 “because we’re now just two years away from a lot of our best players reaching the end of their period of control with the Cubs.”
Regardless of what happens with Bryant or Baez, Epstein revealed the Cubs are going to address center field and second base in the offseason. That suggests center fielder Albert Almora Jr., middle infielder Addison Russell, and utilitymen David Bote and maybe Ian Happ are “in flux,” Wittenmyer writes, who adds that the majority of the roster could be in play for trades (with the potential exceptions of catcher Willson Contreras, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and right-hander Kyle Hendricks).
As for who will be managing what could be a drastically different Chicago roster next season, former Cubs catcher and current special assistant David Ross has already thrown his hat in the ring. Epstein admitted there’s interest in hiring the fan favorite to take over for Joe Maddon, saying: “I think Rossy is an attractive candidate and will be evaluated on the merits of what he can bring to the table as a major-league manager. Given his skills, his experiences, his worldview, what he knows about winning, just as every other managerial candidate will be evaluated.”
Ross is part of a “broad list” of preliminary candidates, according to Epstein, with reports indicating it could also include bench coach Mark Loretta. The Cubs expect to start interviewing targets next week, and though hiring someone with previous managerial experience isn’t “a determining factor,” it is a “significant factor,” Epstein stated. “I have a greater comfort for someone handling the role before.”
ForestCobraAL
Sounds like an interesting winter. You don’t see players like Bryant, Baez and Mookie Betts on the trade market too often.
Eightball611
Redsox have a trade candidate
driftcat28 2
Doubtful, they’d have to pay Bryant and/or Baez anyway. It’d be the same problem that they have currently with Mookie
ASapsFables
RF Mookie Betts would solve the Cubs leadoff woes for one season before hitting free agency. 3B Kris Bryant and SS Javier Baez have two years of arbitration control until they become free agents. Betts and Bryant are highly unlikely to accept contract extensions this offseason. Baez would be the best bet of the three to do so.
I don’t see a trade match here with the difference in team control favoring the Cubs and with the Red Sox already set at 3B with Rafael Devers and at SS with Xander Bogaerts. I do see both Betts and Bryant moving to new clubs this offseason with Baez remaining a Cub.
ElMagoN9ne
Baez and rizzo are the only untouchable players they have. You dont trade the best SS in the nl top 3 SS in baseball. you give that man a lifetime contract
chitown311
Maybe top 3 in NL, Story and Turner are fat better. You could also make the case for Machado, although he’s primarily a 3b now
greatd
Story isn’t as good away from home so go fish.
chitown311
Ok. Whit merrifield and Michael Boyd for Baez Schwarber and Bryant DUDE
thelegendofmike
Yeah, no.
ElMagoN9ne
Trevor story is not even close to what Baez is. Trea Turner has speed thats about it. With good contract. And okay power. Both are top 10 in the NL. Baez is easily top 3 SS In baseball. Best in the NL.
Georgiajeff
Very true. I think Bryant will go before Baez.
ElMagoN9ne
Baez is untouchable. theres not enough players and prospects to trade away for him.. kris Bryant isnt getting traded for at least 2 years
ASapsFables
ESPN published an article this past Saturday about David Ross which also mentioned 3 other candidates for the Cubs managerial position: Mark Loretta, Kevin Youkilis and Mark DeRosa (espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27731818).
There were some common points with those four candidates. All are fairly young former MLB players who have zero professional experience as managers. Ross, Loretta and Youkilis all have strong connections with Cubs President Theo Epstein from his days in Boston as well as in Chicago. Only Mark DeRosa lacks that link but unlike the others he does have one thing in common with Theo…he is an Ivy Leaguer!
Other commonalities include both Ross and DeRosa as national baseball TV analysts as well as being former Cubs players, the latter prior to Epstein’s arrival in Chicago. Youkilis is the only candidate who shares a Jewish heritage with Theo but Loretta was a coach for the Israeli national team in the 2013 World Baseball classic. While Loretta isn’t Jewish he was allowed to coach since his wife Hilary is. lol
Only one of the candidates possesses the singularly most important advantage in becoming the next Cubs manager. That would be dancing! Yes, David Ross not only appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2017 but he was actually the runner-up finalist with his professional partner. I’m guessing that Ross won’t be a runner-up in his bid to become the next Cubs manager. At the very least he will become Loretta’s bench coach before assuming the skipper’s job when the latter returns to the Cubs front office and is promoted as an assistant to Theo when either Jason McLeod or Jed Hoyer leave the organization for a better position elsewhere.
Eightball611
Yuk knows the game however wont be a good manager
thinkblech
Hear that, Youk? Eightball611 has you figured out already.
batteryoutlet
wow suck it youk
ElMagoN9ne
what does being Jewish have anything to do with being able to manage or coach or not?
ASapsFables
Not much, unless of course you are Jewish AND can dance the hora like David Ross.
ASapsFables
Bonus points for any candidate who is a master of the rain dance!
greatd
This is just me dreaming so don’t hit me too hard on this.
Trade Bryant for prospects that Detroit wants.
Flip them for Boyd and (Victor) Reyes.
Decline Q’s option.
Use the money saved up by shipping Bryant and Q’s option for Gerrit Cole.
■Rotation
Cole
Darvish
Boyd
Hendricks
Lester
Sign (Will) Smith.
■Bullpen
Kimbrel
Smith
Wick
Wieck
Ryan
Mills
Chatwood
Use the money saved from Hamels leaving to augment the lineup.
Sign Moustakas to man third.
Trade to get Whit.
■Lineup
(2B) Merrifield
(3B) Moustakas
(SS) Baez
(1B) Rizzo
(C) Contreras
(LF) Schwarber
(CF) Reyes
(RF) Heyward
Would like to hear your perfect off-season as well!
ChiSoxCity
What’s so special about Boyd? They can do better than that for Bryant. Not too impressed with that lineup either.
greatd
He’s a 200 strikeout guy with 4 seasons of control left?
And what would you do with the lineup then?
ronnsnow
So he’s a left handed Yu Darvish?
ChiSoxCity
Matthew Boyd’s ERA the last three seasons: 4.56, 4.39, 5.27.
I don’t see enough value here. Victor Reyes is a fourth OF type player. The cubs should do better than that for two years of Bryant.
As for the lineup, I don’t view replacing Bryant/Castellanos with Merrifield/Reyes as an upgrade. It leaves them with a pretty weak OF again, something I doubt Epstein wants.
greatd
Well you do have a point there but I’m thinking upside + money here for Boyd dude.
I know that Reyes is a fourth outfielder type, but we need a better defensive outfield.
I don’t think Merrifield / Reyes / Moustakas are upgrades, but you can’t be serious if you think a rotation led by Hendricks and Darvish can win a world series.
wordonthestreet
Jesus you think Boyd is good? He stinks but he has 4 years of control you say? So you are surrendering two years of Kris Bryant for someone who stinks so you can have 4 years of control for a pitcher who stinks but oh he strikes some guys out?
You must love that Quintana trade then … oh wait you say you do not even want him back for the 11.5 million option.
Your proposal is nuts
rocky7
If the Cubs actually would entertain trading Bryant for Boyd than the Cubs are destined to be a second division ball club.
The hype surrounding Boyd is centered obviously in Detroit and basing a trade on 200 K’s (every pitchers K’s are up in the new MLB) and 4 years of control of a 4.39+ERA pitcher is just mindless.
The Cubs bought down hard on the same kind of hype from Chicago fans surrounding Quintana (he’s really a #1 0r #2 on a good ball club that defensively supports him) and while he’s fit in well is far from a #1 or #2
Don’t fall for the hype, ask for the real performance in entertaining a trade for a guy like Bryant.
wordonthestreet
You cant be serious to think a rotation that includes Boyd leading it or even in it can win the world series.
greatd
You guys are missing my point.
Money is another factor too dudes.
Not saying that the value is equal at all.
RicoD
No one is missing your point. Everyone gets it….and disagrees. There is no upside for either team and therefore will never happen.
gregstruth89
Are you sure your a cubs fan? What cubs fans worry about money. You just have to spend more and more and more. I like your thinking but cole and moustakas are got to cost $$$$
greatd
Lester is coming off the books next year and that’s why I put in decline Q’s option and trade away Bryant for Boyd who is way cheaper then him. Also Whit if we could get him will save money as well do to his great contract.
greatd
Saving money for Cole dude and war value would be pretty close. You don’t think a rotation led by Hendricks and Darvish will win it all too right? Better star trying to move around money to get Cole then cause even the Rox are trying to shed payroll.
draushaus
Take it easy on the guy. He posted some ideas… that’s all. None of you posted any alternative ideas because you’d get lambasted just as much.
DarkSide830
they dont have the prospects to get Merrifield
thinkblech
They could, but they’d have to trade the top of a light farm, Hoerner and Amaya. I doubt we see that.
ElMagoN9ne
They need Hoerner. he’s gonna play 2nd everyday for the cubs. Amaya wont even be called up to the Cubs unless Caratini and Contreras get hurt
RoyalsFanAmongWolves
There is absolutely no way the Cubs would get Whit Merrifield because they don’t have the prospects to trade for him! Whit is not going anywhere.
Perhaps the Cubs should trade some of their star pieces to rebuild their dead farm?
greatd
Dude Whit’s speed died last year.
He’s really affordable and still valuable but 19 stolen bases to 10 caught steals means he’s not going to be speedy for long. Dayton Moore should know this as well.
wordonthestreet
Perfect offseason? Boyd stink and you are effectively trading Kris Bryant for Boyd? Are you insane.
greatd
Dude look at war. Bryant is a star but he’s a Boras client and not resign able and also a guy that’s injury prone and with a 3 war is not as valuable a one might think.
ElMagoN9ne
They are very capable of re-signing Bryant. Its not out of the question. they haven’t even offered him an extension yet. Why is it so hard to believe other than Boras being a slimy leach and a pos talentless that is only bad for the game. That Bryant loves Chicago so much. that he stays
BeeVeeTee
What type of drugs do Cubs’ fans take to come up with these trade scenarios?
RoyalsFanAmongWolves
Is marijuana legal in Illinois?
Cmurphy
Not until January. 🙂
Chubbies
Haha yeah buddy
greatd
A smart one?
jdgoat
I feel Schwarber will be dealt this offseason for sure.
ElMagoN9ne
You want the cubs to get worse at 3rs. You gotta trade Schwarber for one. Unless you get deGrom plus 2 others for Bryant he’s not getting traded. And you gotta sign nick castellanos as well.. the cubs have nico Hoerner who is very capable of handling 2nd just fine. They don’t need a guy thats 8 or 9 years older than him.
Ejemp2006
The Cubs should be ashamed of the way they managed the lineup in the last few weeks. They kept Castellanos out several days and robbed him of a chance at breaking 60 doubles. Cheap butter boys!
avschamps1
Castellanos was held out b/c of tightness in groin area…. he was actually inserted I believe Saturday and then pulled back b/c of it.
Ejemp2006
I believe that was a PR spoof.
Geebs
You don’t think a pending free agent or his representatives wouldn’t speak up publicly? Maybe even file a grievance?
What evidence do you have other then a spin tingling feeling?
Geebs
*spine
wordonthestreet
Ejemp stop talking out of your rear end
Cmurphy
Castellnos was hurt. He’s not taking any chances doing any damage right before free agency.
greatd
Oh so sign Castellanos and go into the playoffs with Hendricks and Darvish leading the rotation.
That’s stable enough to win a championship right?
KRays
Cubs are done. Going back to another long drought!
omahaomaha
Worse than the 85 bears only winning one super bowl with all that talent???
jekporkins
They had Jim McMahon at QB. Fool the NFL once, sure. Never twice. not with Jim.
ElMagoN9ne
Lol they haven’t had a bad season in 6 years and they are done? They still had a winning season despite not making the playoffs. You’re probably a salty Cleveland Indians fan that jumped on during their win streak last year.
Which by the way they couldn’t even fill up Jacobs field until the streak was at 15 straight
Juggernaugthunter
In probably not following the cubs anymore anyway after getring rid of joe. But I’m definitely not following if rgey get rid of constanllos, braynt , or especially baez. Cubs are very close to winning a world series with the right new manager. All they need is an eith inning closing type stud, the best leadoffman available in tge draft and anotger elite starting pitcher. Tgey do those 3 things and under the right manager they win the World series. Side note. MADDON took the rays to tge world series in 2008. They havent sniffed it since. The cubs are about to now experance the same thing. Fired the best manager in the game.
theeterps
Constanllos is untouchable
DarkSide830
he’s also a free agent.
hende3165
Joke went way over your head
Senioreditor
They are not close to winning a series. Look at the Dodgers, Astros and Yankees, their lineups and rotations are vastly superior to the Cubs and their prospect situation is light years ahead too.
jonsteele
I’m not a cubs guy necessarily but all you gotta do is get into the playoffs and you gotta chance. Playoff baseball is random because of the short series’. 2010/2012/2014 giants, 2011 Cardinals among others can prove that.
ChiSoxCity
You need talent, not luck, to get into the playoffs.
jonsteele
Well yeah I’m saying that the playoffs is momentum and can be random. It’s hardly ever #1 seed vs #1seed.
I don’t think anyone said getting to the playoffs is luck.
jakec77
Best leadoff man available in the draft?
Priggs89
Wait… That’s not how baseball works?
chicagofan1978
Did you have a stroke?
wordonthestreet
Exactly the let the best manager go. They had the right manager. If they obtain in the offseason what you suggest then Joe Maddon would be the right manager.
weezer17
My God Juggernaugthunter, is any of that English? You need auto correct turned on.
vtadave
Braynt isn’t getting traded.
Jake1972
One name that I believe that should be in the Managerial convention is Ben Zobrist …
Ben as manager and Ross as bench coach would be interesting in my opinion.
Also every player should be in play if the right trade come along.
KRays
Agreed
DarkSide830
that is an interesting take
wordonthestreet
Ben Zobrist should not be the manager of the Cubs nor should he be in the conversation.
And why does the next manager have to be a player from the 2016 team anyway?
jekporkins
What if Zobrist’s dog dies? He’ll take a personal leave for half the season.
Whifff
Buyers beware on Bryant. Big frame guy that wears down over the season. He really limped to the finish line the last two seasons. Typically just fantastic in the first half though.
spinach
Load management.
ChiSoxCity
Good take on Bryant. I think he needs to stop listening to dad and change his batting stance/swing.
jakec77
As a Mets fan, Cubs remind me a little of the late 80’s team- got a truly great World Series win, but can’t help but be bothered that all that talent didn’t amount to more.
frankf
I really would prefer not trade either. But Javy should definitely be more of an untouchable. There are some players whose value is not just what they bring to the organization as a team, but also what they bring to the organization as a brand.
I understand the concept of building a team for the future, but at the end of the day, a professional sports team is a part of the entertainment industry, and priority #1 should be keeping the audience satisfied year after year.
Say what you will about “idiot fans who have no idea how to build a team,” but these idiot fans greatly outnumber the more knowledgeable ones, filling more seats and purchasing more concessions. We can say who cares about that, but ownership is going to say otherwise.
jakec77
I would have thought it would be more the other way. Bryant was the MVP on the WS team, Baez was just a utility guy. While Baez is arguably the more valuable guy now, I’d have thought Cubs fans would be more attached to Bryant.
Dag Gummit
Could it be “what have you done for me lately” syndrome in that case?
wordonthestreet
Cubs fans are not attached to Bryant since Bryant is not attached to being a Cub.
irish0625
Source to back this claim up?
Cmurphy
I have to agree with you there. I love when Bryant is on a roll, but he seems to have the same business attitude of someone like JD Martinez, or Arrieta or even Harper. A lot of players get involved in a city but Bryant never really has.
I think that Baez would sign an extension to stay with the Cubs long term, much like Rizzo did. Probably not as team friendly but I think he wants to stay a Cub.
averagejoe15
Bryant gave up on the Cubs when the Cubs held him down for 1/4 of the season to get the extra team control. And I don’t blame him.
I don’t recall where I read it, but Bryant wasn’t concerned with the business side of the game until the Cubs used it against him. In return he’s chosen to do the team no favors as well in terms of a below market extension.
Even if the particulars there are not true, players simply don’t owe it to teams or a city to accept below market pay after spending years in a system intended to depress wages.
Cmurphy
With Boras as his agent, he’d never sign an extension anyway.
ElMagoN9ne
Do some research dude it was 6 days. That’s it. He admitted he was upset but it was business so he just went with it. Kris Bryant loves the cubs as any hardcore fan loves them.. his leach of an agent hates the cubs. Come on Boras demanded 200mill for Arrieta’s services. He got less than half
wordonthestreet
The “idiot fans who do not know how to build a team” will come and buy tickets and spend their money no matter what players the Cubs put out there. Thus the Cubs should try to win to get the knowledgeable fans to do the same.
ChiSoxCity
It’s obvious Bryant takes little pleasure in playing for the cubs, for whatever reason. He just seems like a guy going thru the motions until he’s free to go elsewhere. The cubs should oblige him before it’s too late. Trade him for prospects to a rebuilding team (not the White Sox).
pt57
Why would a rebuilding team want 2 years of Bryant. Wouldn’t a win now team make more sense?
ChiSoxCity
Technically yes, but how many win now teams have assets to trade for Bryant. Trading for two years of Bryant might be more appealing than spending $250MM on Anthony Rendon for a lot of teams. Doesn’t really matter the type of team, as long as the cubs are getting value in return.
moethacker
ChiSoxCity – excellent point on Bryant. I have always wondered whether the delayed service time clock for Bryant didn’t set a bad tone for him right from the jump. Rookie of the Year, MVP, but perceived underachievement since with injury issues each of the last two seasons and no extension in sight. Deal him this offseason. I can’t see the Sox dealing for KB given Moncado’s breakout year at third, unless Ricky wants to make an outfielder of him.
ChiSoxCity
Yeah, I think you’re right about the service time thing. Psychologically, he may be using that as justification for moving on in free agency. I don’t want him coming to the Sox. He’s probably looking for $200MM+ contract in a few years. Pass.
ruckus727
KB will be looking for 9-10 years at $30M+ Per. I’m not saying he will get that though it wouldn’t surprise me one bit. But I guarantee that’s what he and Boras gave in mind.
ElMagoN9ne
Javy Baez is untouchable
chitown311
Except this article and Theo hinted at the opposite. But I’ll take your word for it!
lefty58
Any candidate that has played in the majors in the last 8-10 years needs to be taken off the manager interview list immediately. Yes, David Ross should be the first one taken off of it.
driftcat28 2
I’d like to see Girardi get a chance with the Cubs but he’s probably too expensive/too old school for what Theo wants this time around
Georgiajeff
I guess if there is one player that needs to go it’s Bryant. I just get the feeling from his body language he doesn’t want to be a Cub long term. I know someone mentioned trading him to Detroit but they don’t have anything to help us in the short or long term. It would be funny to send him to a crap team. Cub fans embraced him, I never got the feeling he felt the same way. Guess it’s all in his body language. No to Zobrist as manager. I hope we bring him back. I suspect Q will be gone as well. Boy did Rick Hahn pull the wool over Theos eyes on that one. It’s going to be one interesting winter for sure
mistry gm
Bryant will become a free agent in two years and if Epstein doesn’t trade him now it would be stupid. Castallanos would be worth, pursuing even at a high cost. Take offers for Lester, Quintana and Chatwood. Trade Strop, Russell and Heyward together for a bag of balls (if you can get it). Dump a few underpreforming releavers. Keep Cishek and the rest and hire Dave Ross.
ChiSoxCity
I don’t see the cubs trading Lester. He’s earned the right to finish out his contract. Trading him now would be classless and disrespectful.
Cmurphy
They’d have to pick up Q’s option to trade him. Russell and Strop are not under contract for next season, Lester earned the right to finish his contracr, don’t want to do him what the Red Sox did to him.
BeeVeeTee
This off-season the Cubs should not be after any of the big name free agents but should be looking to rebuild their farm system. Cubs’ fans should not be surprised if Bryant and Schwarber are two players that will be playing somewhere next season. These two guys seem to be the only two players who can get the Cubs something to start e re retooling the farm system. As I mentioned in the last few, Bryant to Atlanta seems like the best scenario it seems like a good move for both teams.
ChiSoxCity
The cubs should tear it down and rebuild, mainly because they don’t have enough pitching to win a championship.
During his press conference yesterday, Epstein said he has no interest in a rebuild yet. He still thinks the team can win, though some changes need to be made to the roster. He even admitted that he personally needed to be more realistic about player performance though. I think he’ll soon realize there’s no way to fill all the wholes on the roster without rebuilding the farm system to some degree.
Pretty much all the players from the ‘16 team except Baez, Contreras and Hendricks needs to go. Then they need to spend serious money if they want to stay in contention after that.
Mikel Grady
I hope Theo finally realizes dumpster diving for a bullpen doesn’t work . Hope he goes after will Smith . Cole or ryu and mad bum. Castenallos and di di gregorious. 50/50 on Quintana . He is cheap , hard to find better for 10 million . Unless move chatwood back to #5 in rotation
mike127
Of all the dumpster diving he respectfully may do—the bullpen is not a spot where he dumpster dove….Morrow, Strop, Cishek, Kintzler, Edwards, Montgomery, Kimbrl etc were all established major league relievers. And they spent a ton of money on the bullpen. By week two of the season Morrow, Strop, Edwards, and Montgomery were all hurt…..then everything had to be patched together. Does nobody remember Montgomery not even making it to Wrigley after the first homestand? Edwards—sheessshhh…..Strop hurt his hammy again and never regain his form from the past five seasons—and Morrow—we all know that tale. It’s hard enough to piece together a pen with established guys, let alone patchwork—-but in no means was that a dumpster dive.
ChiSoxCity
Morrow can’t pitch and should consider retirement. Strop has been wildly inconsistent keeping the ball in the park the last few years. Ditto for Edwards who is gone, and probably done as a big leaguer. Cishek and Kintzler are two journeyman bouncing around the league, but have been useful and cheap for the cubs. Kimbrel… yeah, we all know about Kimbrel. The point is all of these relievers were acquired or used because they were cheaper options to Chapman and the Davis. Had the cubs simply ponied up and payed Chapman to keep him, especially considering the trade capital they spent to acquire him, the cubs would have been much better off. Epstein tinkered too much and gambled too much on upside guys, and it has probably cost the cubs another WS appearance.
ruckus727
I agree with you about Chapman. I’ll never understand why you don’t pay up, even overpay, after sending Torres in the deal.
chitown311
Dumpster Divin’ Theo! I’ve said it all year long!
ASapsFables
An ideal trade for the Cubs involving Kris Bryant would be the oft-reported deal with the Mets for Noah Syndergaard. The Cubs will be targeting a starting pitcher this offseason with Cole Hamels hitting free agency. Their preference would be to add a TOR who can miss bats and only free agent Gerrit Cole offers a better option than ‘Thor”. Cole will command a huge contract this winter and I believe that when the snow settles he will return home to Newport Beach and pitch for the Angels. The Bryant/Syndergaard trade would also make a lot of sense for the Mets who have had a void at 3B since David Wright starting spending more time on the IL than on the active roster in what seems like a decade ago.
Both Bryant and Syndergaard have two years of arbitration control remaining and each figure to be on the trade block this offseason. Each player also share some health concerns of their own. The Mets would have to balance off any trade for Bryant with an additional piece going back to the Cubs, be it a decent prospect or another player from their active roster.
The possibility of an expanded blockbuster trade also exists with these two clubs. The Mets have a power reliever in Edwin Diaz who struggled mightily in NY after coming over in that infamous trade with the Mariners last offseason that also saw Robinson Cano and his albatross contract landing in NY. The Cubs have a definite need for a bullpen arm who can miss bats which Diaz still did in 2019 despite his other issues on the mound.
Speaking of Cano, the Cubs will also be targeting a second baseman this offseason. Perhaps they would be interested in Cano filling that void with the Mets making it worth their while by kicking in some significant cash to offset his remaining contract. The Cubs could do worse than add a veteran left-handed power hitter with excellent contact skills to a lineup that leans right-handed. It would be a bold move for a 36-year old player who has a big contract, lost a step as a former Gold Glove defender, spent too much time on the IL and has the additional stigma of a PED suspension. But hey, it wouldn’t be the first time that Theo Epstein has added this type of player as a Cubs and Red Sox front office executive so anything is possible. lol
Bottom line: The Cubs and Mets figure to be big players this offseason as expected contenders who disappointed mightily in 2019. The Cubs already let Joe Maddon walk as their manager and I expect the Mets to move on from Mickey Callaway as well. I look for the shake-up to continue all winter with two franchises who seem to match up pretty well in potential trades. It would be no surprise if the Cubs and Mets actually wound up pulling off a blockbuster deal when all is said and done.
BeeVeeTee
It would not make sense for the Mets to trade Syndergaard if you are claiming that they want to compete next year! Would you agree?
ASapsFables
I would not. With that logic no contender should ever consider making an impact trade. Would you agree?
BeeVeeTee
The Cubs’ farm system is a mess! The pitching rotation is not getting any younger. Bryant, Baez, and Schwarber are all free agents. The new rule of having a bullpen pitcher face at least three hitters before pulling him kicks in next season. The Cubs payroll for next year is already high and you suggest spend more money. Teams like the Reds and Cardinals proved they are ready to be contenders in that division for the next few years. If you disagree with me about the Cubs’ farm system and the pitching rotation getting older then please prove me wrong.
wordonthestreet
Neither Bryant nor Baez nor Schwarber are free agent now or even after next year. Nice try
BeeVeeTee
Free agents in two years! The Cubs can’t afford to pay all of them guys while addressing other needs like pitching.
ElMagoN9ne
They absolutely can afford all of them. They’ll only keep 2 of them. Schwarber will be traded for a starter and 2 top 20 prospects.
ChiSoxCity
The Mets have passed on trading DeGrom numerous times. I don’t see why this offseason would be any different. They could easily keep their Cy Young pitcher, and wait a few years for Bryant.
ASapsFables
The Mets locked up Jacob deGrom. If they could do the same with Noah Syndergaard this offseason that would be great for them. If not then they ought to consider trading him just as the Cubs are doing with Kris Bryant.
ChiSoxCity
The Mets are probably open to moving Thor. The problem is no team is foolish enough to meet their asking price. He seems overrated and prone to injury.
ASapsFables
Unless their asking price is Kris Bryant which has been speculated for some time now and was the point of my original post. Of course, Bryant would also cost them a bit more than just Syndergaard which might suggest nobody would meet the Cubs asking price for their slugging third baseman, at least using your logic. lol
ChiSoxCity
Yet still, Syndergaard remains a Met. Checkmate.
ASapsFables
Checkmate?
Can we at least wait for the offseason to begin in earnest following the conclusion of the World Series, react to the latest rumors from the GM Meetings, follow all the rumblings at the Winter Meetings, wring our hands over the lack of FA signings and then see how everything played out as the teams head to spring training?
I’m attempting to stoke the coals of a Bryant/Syndergaard trade ahead of the Hot Stove and all you want to do is extinguish the flames. Quit being such an MLB spoilsport. As fellow White Sox fans, the anticipation of a busy and productive offseason is the only thing we have had to get excited about in recent years. Since I am also a Cubs fan, you might also afford me a break seeing as how their window to contend is beginning to close just as our White Sox shutters start to open.
DannyQ3913
Phillies will trade you Odubel for Bryant. Easy peasy
theoepsteinhof
Most of this speculation is based on G Whitenmeyers bad take on yesterday’s presser. He is anti-Epstein since day one & also hates the Ricketts. Theo never mentioned Bryant/Baez by name, yet Whittenmeyer took it upon himself to create click-bait and manufacture a lead story.
He was roasted on social media for his fake story!
Theo said he doesn’t believe in “untouchables” so then GW took that and ran with it for Baez/Bryant. Now, he we are with it on MKB Trade Rumors!
FattKemp
If I had the power to do so as the Red Sox GM, I’d offer JBJ for Ian Happ and a log of Copenhagen.
mbart33
Schwarber for betts-win win
ChiSoxCity
lol
moethacker
I don’t get the fascination with making David Ross manager. His commentary on ESPN is generally inane and several times I heard him assert a take only to retract when it challenged. Not my decision to make, of course, but as nice a fellow as Ross seems to be, he would not even be considered if it was me. I also would not hire Steve Swisher, George Mitterwald, Jody Davis, Damon Berryhill, Rick Wilkins or Paul Bako to manage, just for the record.
ASapsFables
Not a fan of former catchers managing? I actually believe that all things being equal a catcher would make the best baseball manager considering their craft gives them great insight into pitchers and hitters, to say nothing of their leadership ability in handling a pitching staff and often being the QB on the diamond.
As for David Ross, clearly he had the respect of his Cubs teammates and also that of Theo Epstein or his name might not have come up so prominently in the first place, regardless of his acumen as a TV analyst.
ruckus727
I think the Rangers and Braves are two of the most likely trade partners for Bryant. Sleeper:Phillies.
ASapsFables
If and when Theo Epstein decides to discuss Kris Bryant with other teams the Braves would surely be at the top of his list. What front office executive wouldn’t want want to talk trade with an organization that has a roster chock full of elite young talents while still maintaining a top farm system?
Perhaps Theo can even get a few pointers on how to do this properly with the Cubs. Conversing with the Astros, Dodgers and Yankees would also be advisable although each of those teams is hardly in need of third baseman presently.
CoryJay
I’d rather see the cubs keep Bryant and him be the MVP caliber player he can be(and will be) … getting rid of Bryant will be a downgrade at 3rd base no matter who you get for him… maybe the new manager will keep the 3rd baseman at 3rd instead of putting him in the outfield… I figure Bryant will sign a long deal with Dodgers or San Diego when hes up for free agency after the ’21 season but I think it’d be a dumb move to let him go before then….
billlj
How about a blockbuster…..Bryant, Contreras and a upper minor league pitcher to Angels for Mike Trout. Would be a start…..Need to sign Constellanos and a pitcher to replace Hamels. Trade for another pitcher, Schrober to American League with Russell/Almora………toreplace Q…
CubsFanSince75
Trade Bryant to whoever will give you the most prospects and then use the money you would’ve had to spend on him to sign Rendon… same player plus you get the prospects to help beef up the farm again