Kris Bryant recently reiterated his affection for the Cubs organization. He also noted it’d be nice “to be in the loop a little bit” if indeed the team is holding trade talks that involve him.
That seems to have taken place in a recent chat with president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, as Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Bryant says he was left with the impression he’ll be in a Cubs uniform for the entirety of the coming season.
Unsurprisingly, Bryant wasn’t given an unqualified assurance that he wouldn’t be traded. But GM Jed Hoyer acknowledged that Bryant had left with the right takeaway, saying it’s “certainly the expectation” that the star will remain in Chicago for the coming season.
While there has been an awful lot of chatter surrounding Bryant’s potential availability in trade, we never saw an indication over the offseason that a deal was particularly close. Whatever the explanation given by Epstein, Bryant came away feeling satisfied. The 28-year-old says it was a “great” meeting, indicated that he received “insight as to what kind of happened in the offseason,” and expressed excitement for the coming season.
All things considered, it would rate as quite the surprise at this point to see Bryant swapped before Opening Day. Epstein joined Hoyer in giving public indication that the front office doesn’t expect to pull off a swap. And that’s obviously the impression that was given to Bryant himself.
so much smoke about trading their stars. it was never going to happen.
It was more about the quality of return. Obviously no team put up a return that satisfied Theo. For sure there were teams with needs but seeing how all of them passed the price tag must have been high.
Exactly. A very good 3b owed $40+ mm over 2 years is only going to get the Cubs salary relief, not salary relief and 3 top prospects, as Theo said he wanted. This is just yet another example of Theo overvaluing his players.
23 MMM is going rate these days. If a player has 5+ WAR there is 25 million right there.
He is not overvaluing him. He simply is not interested in trading him
Personally, I don’t think they should trade any of their stars, despite the fact they want to be under the tax threshold.
I think the Cubs win the division. The Cards and Brewers are mediocre, it’s a year too early for the Reds, and the Pirates are in rebuild mode. Despite the losses they incurred this Winter and the relative lack of moves, the Cubs have way too much talent to be written off. I wouldn’t be one bit surprised to see the Cubs in 1st place at season’s end. That division is there for the taking.
And obviously I’m not a Cubs fan. In fact, it’s the first time I’ve commented on a Cubs message board on MLBTR. Not sure why I even commented on here, I guess I just felt the need to say what I said. Just an honest, unbiased opinion.
Thanks 83sox…..whether you are right or wrong I appreciate an “opinion based” entry from a non Cuns fan.
Another White Sox fan here who’s also a Cubs hater, but I too don’t know why Cubs fans are so pessimistic. I think they should be the NL Central favorites.
The three of you are on crack. The Cubs are on the verge of imploding. They are vastly overrated and have done nothing to improve this off season. The bloated salaries of Kimbrel, Darvish, Lester and Heyward have tied their hands. They will rebuild very soon. They will trade Bryant, Contreras, and Schwarber by the start of next year. That’s way they had to hire fan favorite Ross as manager. The fans would be calling for the head of anyone else they hired when this team falls flat on its face this season and the rebuild starts at this year’s trade deadline.
Bauer burner detected
But in all seriousness I think that’s a little unfair. Still an open division where you have 4 potentially solid competitors.
It’s one of those divisions where the top 4 can all be anyone. I have the Cubs finishing fourth, but I don’t think it’s insane to have them winning the division.
Verge of imploding? How so? They miss the playoffs for the first time in 5 years and suddenly its rebuild. This isnt the Marlins.. trading those 3 players would get back about 12-15 prospects/players but what would he the point. They have the best team on the field. In the NL Central
Finally, a smart and insightful comment from a ChiSox fan. I think you have a legit shot too. It’s going to be an interesting season. Good luck.
I’m not a Cubs fan and would say it’s possible any team not named the Pirates can win the division. Things will have to break right for any of them to win it. I like the Reds’ talent but there’s something to be said for their lack of experience. The Cubs swooned last year when Hamels wasn’t pitching and now he’s gone. That leaves them with no true ace, a so-so 2-3 and a very questionable 4-5. It’s going to be an interesting year and come trading deadline we could see some stars go.
So so 2 and 3?! Darvish has his injury concerns, but when healthy he is at the very least a high quality 2, and you could argue he’s an ace if you’d like. the guy is the top k’s per 9 IP starter of all time, and outside of his initial stint with the cubs in 2018 that carried into 19, he’s been lights out. Hendricks is a great 3rd starter by WAR, ERA, FIP or whatever floats your boat. He’s a borderline all star every year, and if he can fix his road woes, he becomes a quality 2. the fact that you call these 2 so-so shows you cannot be taken seriously
So so 2 and 3?! Darvish has his injury concerns, but when healthy he is at the very least a high quality 2, and you could argue he’s an ace if you’d like. the guy is the top k’s per 9 IP starter of all time, and outside of his initial stint with the cubs in 2018 that carried into 19, he’s been lights out. Hendricks is a great 3rd starter by WAR, ERA, FIP or whatever floats your boat. He’s a borderline all star every year, and if he can fix his road woes, he becomes a quality 2. the fact that you call these 2 so-so shows you cannot be taken seriously
no, they just never got the right return, it would happen in a heartbeat had the compensation been worth it
Move along. Nothing to see here folks.
Nobody wants KB.
Hahn called Theo about KB but he refused to play for Jerry’s kids
Kris Bryant will be extended next offseason.
Doubtful. I see Baez extended. This year his AAV would have been added to payroll. With Q and Chatwood falling off it gives 23 mil flex to work with.
I see Baez sitting at 25 AAV Bryant will want 35 AAV and he is closer to 25 AAV in talent right now. I see Baez and Bryant as equals going forward in player value. Both should hover around 5 WAR and that is not 35 AAV but as long as Bryant has Boras there will be no extend.
Lester is also gone but that’s not going to matter. Bryant, Schwarber, Báez, and Contreras are all due raises through arbitration. The Cubs will also be looking to reset the luxury tax penalties next offseason since it’s not going to happen this year. So now that 45 million that’s been freed up is down to 20 million and you have to fill 3 starting pitching spots. Bryant will be traded for a young cost controlled pitcher while freeing up the cash to sign a frontline starter. Unfortunately his trade value exceeds his value on the diamond.
I believe I remember reading WAR to be valued at about 6 or 8 million per.
So if he is a 5 war player, that would mean at minimum 30 mil AAV or 40 on the top end.
9 million was the Fangraphs valuation I believe
They can extend Bryant and Rizzo next off season. they have another year for Schwarber and Baez. They have another 50+ mil off the books next offseason. The tax threshold resets and they can spend over 100 mil if they choose to do so. The have 3 years to extend. It’s not impossible to extend all of them. Unfortunately its improbable
Both Bryant and Baez control ends after 2021.
Agreed. I can see him signing with whatever team trades for him next offseason.
I really hope so
Astros are cheaters! Manfred is a clown! Pull the ‘17 WS banner from Minute Maid!! #banthebanner
The cubs cheated also last year when there shortstop was jumping up and down behind the pitcher trying to distract the batter. So strip there one and only title in 110 years also. Cheaters
Or 3 in 112 depending on your math. Or NEVER losing a playoff series to the Cardinals. Undefeated in that matchup.
Pow!! You nailed the med!
ShOrTsToP mOvEd ArOuNd UnOkAy
Possibly the most retarded comment I have ever seen
NO “R” WORD TOUGH GUY.
What?
Do not feed the trolls… especially an attempt as sad as this.
“There shortstop” and “there title.” Themed is not only a troll, but an illiterate one, too.
He wasn’t jumping up and down. With all the sign stealing, he was blocking the view of the catcher from the guys on second, in 2018 or 2019. A lot of shortstops have done that over the past couple of seasons. So don’t need to strip THEIR title from 2016.
@themed
Will the Cardinals ever beat the Cubs in a playoff series? Hahahaha
Oh so Baez jumped up and down? In 2019 regular season? So strip 2016 world series?
Ok clown. Hahahaha. Boy you just embarrass yourself. In fact I am embarrassed for you! Hahahaha laughing in your face!
Cubs undefeated against the Cardinals in the history of baseball. Hahaha
While i agree the Astros have a lot of negativity coming theyre way, you know someday Altuve , Bregman , Springer, Correa will be a Yankee and your tune will change.
Why not extend him. He’s a stud
Maybe because he doesn’t want to? Both sides need to be in agreement in order to work out an extension.
If they offered an Aranado type extension I think he would definitely sign. I just don’t think the Cubbies will offer it. Ultimately I think he has a huge season this year, the cubs contend enough to not trade him, and his price actually increases and the cubs end up sorry they didn’t extend him this off-season.
I think he’ll look for Rendon’s AAV over Arenado’s now.
You get that by hitting FA.
Indeed. Though he hits FA a year older than Rendon did so that may also affect his deal.
Related note…he’s not missed a game in DC yet and I already miss Rendon.
I still think this is a deadline trade unless the Cubs surprise me this season. Despite rumors, I see Atlanta pulling this off. Cubs asking price was very high though.
Completely with you Von. I know Cubs fans want to see him there. Like Red Sox fans wanted Mookie. But they likely won’t extend him and getting value will be better achieved earlier than later.
Completely agree with both of you. As a RS fan, even had Betts accepted the $300M/10, I think we are still better off with the trade. The Cubs have a lot more flexibility in 2021 and beyond, but if they aren’t contending, and Bryant is signing, they should at least see what the market is in July.
I was expecting something more… salacious… based on the headline.
I don’t know how this rumor about a Cubs selloff was even a thing. It makes absolutely no sense, the Cubs are a solid contender.
While it’s frustrating that they’re not willing to spend a little more to round out the pitching staff, it’s still silly to write off a team that’s basically the same one that won the WS.
Uh, no. It’s not the same team.
Clueless. In every post. Consistent.
Hey, look who it is…it’s the Sox troll who reads and comments on every Cubs post (we do get talked about a lot). Maybe it’s bc no one wants to talk about the Sox, or the 1000 people that show up to their games. I wonder if there is a site talking about fireworks after games, bc that’s right up the Sox’s ally.
You’re the ex who constantly creeps over all their social media.
What’s ur stadium called again? 4 real, did pornhub by the rights yet?
Guaranteed Seat Field.
Nice!
Cubs have a solid lineup, decent defense and maybe one more good year out of the rotation. I never understood the idea of breaking up the team. They’ll contend as is and can add a starter at the deadline if they’re so inclined.
I think Ricketts soured on Maddons act and that was really the only shake up necessary.
He is lucky to be able to sit at all after a meeting with an Epstein…
Tasteless
Bruh…
Hey Sox troll u c MLB trade rumors is hiring! Now I know that would mean you have to talk about other teams than the Cubs, but it’s basically your job already. Might as well get paid for it!
The Cubs have botched both this situation and the rights to their new TV station. They also have had trades/free agent signings backfire on them. It should be interesting to see how all of this plays out with their fan base.
The fanbase is brain dead. It won’t matter.
You’re pathetic, give it a rest.
@betyourbippy…..leave Chisox alone…I read the thread about real issues…the Astros scandal…and not a single post….as soon as there is a cubs story…it’s rise and shine and he’s off to work. It’s the only job he has, and you gotta admit, he’s good at it. And some day, with his intelligence he’s going check the computer and realize that the cubs and sox aren’t even in the same division.
You win.
Scumbag
At least we have a fanbase.
Cmon, atleast the Sox have fireworks loololololol
The cubs fan base is brain dead somehow they find a way not only to Wrigley field to sell out 95% of their games. But they sell out the onlyn2 sellouts at comiskey park too..
The white Sox improved a ton on baseball but that doesnt mean nothing. Until they win. The next 4-6 years the white Sox average 80 wins. Their window is 75% shut already.
Just like your blowup doll…brain dead.
That’s because the doll was shot on the south side.
Hey chicitysox a very prominent friend of mine once told me “when you’re envied people are going to talk about you. Sometimes they say good things and sometimes they say bad things. On the other hand, one thing I know for sure is if nobody is talking about you, you are irrelevant”. Do you have enough brain cells to figure that out?
You’re completely correct. I think playing well will fix everything, but if they struggle early the fans will certainly show their frustration. Tough division. I have the Cubs finishing fourth, but I wouldn’t be shocked if everything clicks and they prove me wrong.
Fourth? In what area are the Brewers better than the Cubs?
The Brewers were a better team last year. They lost some pieces, but so did the Cubs. I really think the Cubs will be selling after the All-Star break.
Like I said, the Cubs could prove me wrong, but based off last years performance, I just don’t think they’re very good.
I can tell you I’m done with the Cubs. Ricketts are not people you want to root for.
Take your ring and run, tomjoad..or you can root for the team and players. Believe me, things have been much, much worse.
I still think its more likely they ship out Quintana to slip under the tax line this year- maybe work out something with Phillies?
Sounds good, but they don’t have anyone to replace him. Maybe Chatwood becomes an opener and pitches twice a week? Keeping Bryant around keeps contenting hopes alive. Might be a good time to back on Q since it’s a walk year for him. Might be his best year yet. I have no idea how the Cubs will get under the luxury tax. Give Heyward away for free and eat half his salary?
Thought the Cubs were doing everything right until they signed Hayward and then Darvish. Those contracts…ugh.
Darvish doesn’t look so bad after A$tros scandal. Yu should be filing lawsuits, they really messed his head up.
lets keep lawsuits out…….
just a waste of time & money…..
will be hard to prove in court……
Astros will be known in this baseball era as Cheaters….
will take a few generations to forget about what happen…..
or maybe a new location for the team to generate new fan base down the line.
Is this a poem?
Have some people looked at Darvish numbers last year….second half in particular?
Have you looked at anything other than Darvish’s 2nd half from last year? Are you just forgetting about his awful first half and injury riddled first year and assuming 2nd half Darvish is who he is going forward?
Based on past seasons, my money would be on more time on the injury list going forward.
He did have a great 2nd half though.
So you think he is going to get hurt again after an injury riddle season, offseason rehab, a slower start to the next season and ending the season strong………. No signs of injury at the moment either.
Kimbrel had no ST last year and was coming off a year he went a lot of innings in the post season….. not a relievers best position to be in.
Until? Or were you thrilled when they happened like everyone else and only down on them after they didn’t pan out?
Most anti Cubs fans predict 82 wins for the Cubs without Bryant…….
now the Cubs are a 90 win team !……..
and heading into the Playoffs.
They had Bryant last year. No playoffs. They also lost quite a few pieces while the Reds improved big time.
what did they lose that was super valuable? injuries to Bryant, Baez, Morrow, Contreras, Hamels…… injuries killed the Cubs last year.
You do understand that Kris Bryant has NEVER played in a meaningless game in regards to standings in his entire career. Unfortunately, for the FOUR that the Cubs played in at the end of season, he was injured. Think about that—over the past five seasons the Cubs have been out of contention for four days.
All this Bryant trade talk….will resume next December at the Winter Meetings..
If Chatwood, Mills and Alzolay all looking good this Spring…..Quintana and his $12 million will be gone.
I wonder if the Cardinals will drain their system to acquire Arenado ??????
My guess….NO………because the value of Arenado went up due that Bryant is off the trade table……….the Rockies will ask for more now.
Word is that the Cubs will open the season with Kipnis at second base……..Hoerner will spend some time in Iowa…………I expect Bryant as our leadoff hitter, with Kipinis hitting #2…….
Bryant
Kipnis
Rizzo
Baez
Contreras
Schwarber
Heyward
Happ
Happ will be the biggest surprise this year and won’t hit 8th.
Heyward and Happ will continue to be an Achilles heel for this team, in the order. To the guys that lump Happ up, where have you been the past few years. He has NEVER been good. Yet e bedtime talks about him as good ol’ consistent Happy. It’s like having three pitchers in a row coming up to bat. Coupled in with weak starting pitching, I’d say it would be a miracle if they win 84 games.
pump* not “lump,” and everyone*, not “bedtime.” Man, this app’s autocorrect is brutal. Lol.
People! Don’t be fooled by teams trying putting their superstars on the trade block. Lindor, Bryant and Arenado are dangled out there to see if an idiot comes along, that’s all. So, If they don’t get a good outrageous amount then they really not available
A Fool is born every day.
Bryant will be traded after this season. His trade value exceeds what he would bring to the Cubs for one season. The Cubs are losing their 3rd, 4th, and 5th starting pitchers. With Bryant, Báez, Schwarber, and Contreras expecting to receive raises in arbitration. As well as the Cubs desire to get under the luxury tax. They just won’t have as much money as some people seem to think. In a trade Bryant would bring back a young cost controlled pitcher while freeing up the financial capability to sign a front line starter. It’s the HARD right decision.
Will be interesting at trade deadline if braces are a couple games out of first or nationals couple games out if one will pay the price . In the end there will be a couple teams front offices and fans regretting not giving up prospects for the ultimate goal and accomplishment and World Series ring
What’s the point of not retaining your best players. Just trade Heyward and attach a top prospect, then pay your good 2 way guys.
Just trade Heyward…No one just takes Heyward with one prospect. The Cubs do have some nice young prospects, but they are not deep or have prospects ready to contribute. They need young controllable starters. Doing this type of deal would set them back further.
Cubs are just fine
They have good bench pieces that will allow their top prospect time to develop more in AAA. Happ will be ready to roll. Most of the team seems pretty pumped to have someone that holds them more accountable at the top in Ross.
Bryant batting leadoff is something I have been wondering about for a few years. Love that Ross is committed to that.
Schwarber will have a big season in LF. I am predicting an All Star type start from him.
Alzolay, Mills, Chatwood will be just fine as the 5th pitching option.
Lester has his peaks and valleys type seasons all the time. This year he will be above average.
Darvish seems mentally ready to roll. Hendricks is solid. and this is a contract year for Quintana. I expect him to really flourish this year to get that paycheck.
The bullpen was worn out and needed new blood. Kimbrel is a good back end guy and on a good contract.
Cubs will win the division by the 1st week of September.
Want some skittles with that?
At least there is production there. A healthy team on the Northside will go along way this year.
If Morrow can hold up they would be a great boost to pen. Morrow in the 8th Kimbrel to lock it down