TODAY: Casting further cold water on the Bryant/Arenado rumors, a source tells Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post that this speculation could be “media noise” from the Cubs themselves, trying to spur on better offers from other teams (i.e. the Phillies, Nationals, Braves) that could have interest in Bryant.
FEBRUARY 12: When Major League Basbeall’s offseason started, the Cubs looked like one of the sport’s most intriguing teams. After collapsing last season and finishing with 84 wins, there was an expectation the Cubs’ roster would undergo a drastic makeover. That hasn’t happened at all, though, and the Cubs have largely been quiet this winter. They’ve made no earth-shattering acquisitions (apologies to Steven Souza Jr., Jason Kipnis and Jeremy Jeffress) or roster-altering trades, though they have lost a few notable players – including Nicholas Castellanos and Cole Hamels – since the winter began.
President of baseball operations Theo Epstein addressed the Cubs’ offseason Tuesday, saying (via Jordan Bastian of MLB.com), “I’ll be honest, it hasn’t been as much turnover as we expected.” Epstein noted, though, that the Cubs aren’t going to make changes for the sake of it, and he still has high expectations for the team as it’s currently constructed.
Chicago does indeed have quite a bit of talent still on hand, and third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant may be atop the list. The former NL MVP continues to be the subject of trade rumors, however, and dealing him and his $18.6MM salary would enable the Cubs’ maligned ownership to get under the $208MM luxury-tax threshold in 2020. As things stand, the Cubs are projected for a tax payroll just south of $214MM, per Jason Martinez of Roster Resource and FanGraphs.
If the Cubs are more worried about competing than ducking the tax, the 28-year-old Bryant could remain an important cog in helping them rebound in 2020. However, multiple teams have shown interest in acquiring him. The Rangers, Rockies, Nationals and Phillies have discussed Bryant with the Cubs recently, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com.
Aside from the Rockies, who have the disgruntled Nolan Arenado at third base, those teams could use upgrades at the hot corner. There has been talk of an Arenado-Bryant swap, but that has always seemed far-fetched, and there aren’t indications that Bryant will wind up with anyone else imminently. The Cubs could instead choose to keep Bryant, attempt to push for a playoff spot this season and see where they stand around the July trade deadline. Considering that Epstein still believes in the talent the club still has, Chicago may well go that way.
Is there any chance the cubs compete while trading Bryant, or is it similar to Betts- if dealt, season punted?
I think Cubs would have enough to compete. Especially if they get a player that can contribute to the Major league roster in the package for Bryant. I’m thinking that’s why Kipnis was signed. He might be insurance to play 2B, in case Bote moves to 3B to replace Bryant if he’s dealt.
I don’t see them competing in that division unless last year was just a fluke.
I live and die with the cubs on a daily basis all summer, and I like bote but goin from kris Bryant to bote almost insures they will not be a real threat, maybe they are a tough team to beat some times, but you can’t just deal talent like Bryant and think we will be in the same boat, look at the division, it’s extremely strong, I get the thought behind moving bryant if he won’t sign but I will never in my life ever believe the cubs are having trouble with money, it’s a disgrace and blatantly untrue message from ownership
Yup all of this. The fact that Tom Ricketts never saw a game til 1986 proves to doesn’t give a scheisse. For God’s sake his father is the co-founder of TD Ameritade. And they’re worried about being less than $10mil over the tax threshold they need to just pay the first 2nd and 3rd penalty tax and get under like that.
It’s a division where 92-94 wins will get the division. It isn’t the AL East w/ two 97+ win teams.
It isn’t the AL East where you can beat up on the Orioles. It’s a tough division where the Cubs are the third best team.
Fax no printer
You can beat up on the Pirates.
The Nationals let Bryce Harper walk in free agency and then signed Patrick Corbin with the savings. Things worked out for them. I absolutely think it’s feasible the Cubs could trade Bryant and be just fine, still possibly win the division without him.
Long-term, they have holes in their pitching staff and defensively. Right now, they are looking like they might have one of the worst bullpens and be one of the worst defensive teams in baseball. Last year, only the Pirates had more errors than the Cubs.
As a Cubs fan, I am not optimistic about the Cubs future unless they make changes. The status quo will hurt them in the end.
Y?
Brewers have Hiura, Yelich, harder , woodruff…then nothing
Pirates have …nothing
Reds/cards/cubs , let’s line them up
OF
Castillinos, Aikyama, senzel, Aquina
Schwarber , Heyward, Happ, Almora
Fowler, bader, oneil
No one running away there
3rd/SS
Bryant/Javy
Saurve/Galvis
Carp-edman/DeJong
Id pick javy Bryant 100 out of 100 times
2nd
Hoerner/Lip
Wong
Mouse
Mouse bat, wong defense, Hoerner could be better all around , but as of now worse of the 3
1st
Rizzo, goldy tie for 1st,, votto is not good anymore
C
Contreras
Molina
Barnfart
Easy one there , Contreras, only cause Molina is aging
SP
Yu, Hendricks,Q, Lester
Castillo , Bauer, Gray
Flaherty, mikolas, wainwright, Hudson
Reds but not by much
And the bullpens of the 3 are not Yankees but not Os either
So im confused how they wont compete in the division lol what are we missing here
I do too but that’s going to be based on a lot of what if’s right? If Lesters every other year routine plays out and he has at least a good year then maybe. If Adbert/Alec/Chatwood pan out at #5, and if their bullpen solidified then they may have a chance to compete with Cindy or the Cards.
Yes…. they can for sure compete in the NL Central !!! The Cardinals are competing on a wish and a prayer that half there line up has comeback seasons. Plus, they don’t have a clean up hitter after losing Ozuna. Reds show improvement but aren’t proven. The Brewers will be competitive! Plus they have Yelich! Pirates are the Pirates. So absolutely… The Cubs will be able to compete for the Central Division. .
The Reds look like the most serious contender. The Cubs have plenty of talent to compete in the Central.
I think the saying is “a wing and a prayer,” but I still got your point!
I hope you’re right, but St. Louis doesn’t have a luxury tax handicap. Ozuna seemed more like a rental. If Bader has another rough first half that will help but they’re pitching is still pretty solid. They might be buyers at the trade deadline if they’re hanging within reach.
Cubs are very lucky to have the aweful Pirate’s in their division to prevent them from a last place finish in 2020. The Cards gave poor end starting pitching in the their rotation. Cards will end up in third in 2020
Nope. Black holes at 2B and CF, Heyward isn’t much of a hitter for a corner OF, no leadoff hitter, no bullpen and 5th starter is weak. Trading Bryant isn’t going to fix all this.
Arguably, keeping bryant isn’t going to fix that either
Cubs won’t compete w/o Bryant, Cubs fans need 2 look in mirror, they weren’t as good last year and prob won’t b this year, loss of several players and no big signings
They compete with Bryant either!
Injures galore. Horrible road record. They just ran out of gas down the stretch. They absolutely can compete without Bryant. I’ll believe the trade when it happens. We’re less than a week from ST. Its not gonna happen anytime soon
4th place best finish for Cubs!
With or without KB.
Yes my friend I hate to say it but I do believe you’re right
Yeah? You like that brewers roster do ya lol shows how little knowledge white sox fans have about baseball… Cards lost their best offensive weapon and added nothing but they upgrade some how lol good grief
Basically, no news.
Again
Totally no news since last report. This one wasted my time.
“top five highest paid CEOs in the U.S. Number three on the list is Gregory Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media Corp. , who made $391 million in fiscal 2012”
$391 million in one year. Takes Bryce Harper 13 years to collect less than that. Takes Gerrit Cole 9 years to collect less than that.
Braves owner Greg Maffei must be a true superstar. A first ballot Cooperstown inductee.
Greg Maffei.
People get paid what they can negotiate. Sure, I think it is excessive what top finance industry guys make, but much like pro athletes…if they can get someone to pay them 9 figures…good for them. I feel bad for ATL fans because corp ownership seems to really be hampering what could be a dominant team if they actually spent money like a larger market club.
The top CEOs should be making way more than baseball players. Why would you think otherwise?
What else is Theo suppose to say lol… Um I have spent 214 million on this team and we are gonna suck, I am terrible at my job lol..
Cub fans, that roster isn’t changing unless they are out of the race by July , stop waiting for a big move to happen
Going to suck? Define suck. Then look at the team history. Suck is the 60s through 00s. Last year was not suck. This year won’t be suck. Put down MLB The Shoe, stop the fantasy baseball trading, turn off the ignorant mainstream media stooges….and watch the game.
Typical Cubs fans, they win one WS and they think it’s a dynasty, haha
Typical fans of everyone else….enjoy 108 years of easy targets by pointing out the Cubs lack of WS wins, then when they do win one, change the goalposts because they have no new material.
Wow , read what I wrote and figure out your own question… I cant coach you through sarcasm
Im making fun of them quoting Theo,,, because like I said what is he suppose to say … Sorry , didn’t expect someone to get so butt hurt
the real reason the Cubs wolnt spend – owners dont trust Theo with any more money.
I believe the Rickets family has upgraded everything and stopped spending because they are preparing to sell. I hope Epstein goes with them.
They would get HAMMERED on capital gains tax.
Boy, do I feel sorry for them. It really sucks when an asset appreciates so much.
Epstein terrible at his job?
This club has declined but come on man… Theo is one of the best in the game.
Jesus F’n Christ
Its sarcasm you numb nuts
Having Maddon gone will give them at least 10 extra wins. They didn’t win because of him, they won in spite of him. I also don’t believe losing Bryant will hurt them much if at all. Since he can’t wait to get out of Chicago, trade him for whatever. Allowing Castellanos to sign elsewhere was a huge mistake and his numbers will be much better than Bryants. Epsteins mistakes keep costing Cubs fans. If you want to win, don’t sign guys like Descalso or Souza.
Need pitching pitching and more pitching. Every team can never have enough
I really don’t think Bryant can’t wait to get out of Chicago. The grievance wasn’t that contentious. It wasn’t even his idea. It was suggested by the MLBPA and Boras. He recently said he would love to be a Cub for life and Boras was engaged in extension talks as recent as November. I just don’t buy the idea that Bryant hates the Cubs and desperately wants to leave Chicago. I think if the Cubs offered him the right number, he would sign an extension.
Castellanos is a heck of a bat and a great guy, but he’s definitely a defensive liability so I’m not that upset about losing him.
Castellanos carried the Cubs the final part of the season, what team were you watching
What a crazy comment, that having Maddon gone will give them 10 extra wins. And you really think Castellanos is a better player than Bryant? If Bryant was a free agent he’d get way more than $64 million. He’d be getting at least $100 million for a 4 year deal.
If the choice is Castellanos at $64-mil for 4 and using at least $36-mil elsewhere OR Bryant at over $100-mil for 4 years, I’ll take Nick and the extra money and make my team better.
Agreed!!!
Padres get this dude
The Cubs fans would definitely be interested with them and the Braves but both clubs seem to be pretty far off from where the Cubs are, as far as, asking price. for that reason I don’t think anything happens. But respect given to both clubs for having some nice prospects.
The Padres have a 3B.
Bryant can play corner outfield and even first base too. Machado wouldn’t stop the Pads from getting him.
IMO, you never acquire a guy so that you can move him to a weaker defensive position. You wind up paying a higher price, because he is a 3B, but then devalue him by putting him at 1st.
Then the issue becomes SD already has corner OFs and a 1B. I know Hosmer is weak, but you have $102M/6 left. If you acquire Bryant, you have to trade Hosmer and take an $80M bath. You’re better off hoping Hosmer returns to form.
And since you traded for Pham & Grisham, there isn’t a lot of reason for Bryant.
Nope. Machado is at 3rd and grisham pham and soon to be Trammell will be their OF.
Not worth giving up prospects to get Bryant, unless Cubs are willing to take back Myers contract, which they aren’t.
Padres should focus on unloading Myers contract.
Trade
Atlanta Braves get:
1) Kris Bryant
2) Kyle Schwarber
3) Albert Almora
Chicago Cubs get:
1) Drew Waters
2) Ian Anderson
3) Kyle Wright
Lame trade
For which team, modify it.
While the cubs would take that instantly… The Braves would never offer that much. Also where would they play almora and schwarber? Braves outfield is already filled, baring them trade both Markakis and Incarte they have no room for either player… A more realistic trade would be:
Braves acquire: Bryant and cash
Cubs acquire: 3rd ranked prospect Ian Anderson, 6th ranked prospectBryce Wilson, and 19th ranked prospect Cj Alexander (according to mlb.com)
Wilson and Alexander are not even in the top 100 mlb prospects. If an MVP from couple of years ago can’t even get 2-3 prospects from top 100 (one of them has to be top 30) then it’s pointless.
80% of those prospects fizzle and disappear and replaced by new prospects. Just goto MLB and check the top 100 prospects from 2 years ago, you won’t even recognize more than half of them cause the fizzled.
I would modify the trade:
Braves acquire: Bryant and cash
Cubs acquire: 37th ranked prospect Ian Anderson and Kyle Wright. 52 rank.
Basically Braves get to keep their top 2 prospects Pache and Waters.
While fair, I still see Atl balking at that because AA is a prospect hoarder and afraid to give up someone ranked that high.
As a Jays fan I have to disagree. AA will strike when he feels the deal is right.
In regards to the “2-3 top 100 prospects”, why weren’t you GM when Donaldson’s situation was mishandled?
Yes. When AA is in the final year of his contract.
I would think Riley would also be part of any trade for a 3b. The Braves aren’t going to sit on him for 2 years.
Riley,pache, Wright for Matt Chapman!
I can dream
They would not give you bryant and schwarber for those 3. They asked for those 3 just for Bryant
yeah no. i honestly think the Cubs would hang up first. theyre not trading their entire OF, even if Atlanta had space for it
Any potential Almora has will be seen in another uniform. Both his glove and bat were missing last year. He’s available for sure. Schwarber is not. Top 10 left fielder in baseball. Better than Bryant numbers In left at 7 million this year
He’d be a top ten DH for sure, doubting top ten LF
Was ranked number 8 by mlb. Also stats say average outfielder with high assist rate. This guy is underrated and considering his salary the last guy that should be moved. There are worse fielders, he’s really improved his game and the second half of last season was all star caliber. Opposing pitchers fear no one more than Schwarber when facing cubs. If Harper Is a 25 million a year man Bryant getting about what he’s worth now at 18+. Anyone signing him for Harper or Rendon money will be disappointed.
Right, Schwarber and Almore aren’t going anywhere.
But, while the Cubs still can, they should trade Bryant to the Rays for Kiermaier ($35 million over next three years but good CF defense so it offsets the cost of Bryant to the Rays), SS/2B Xavier Edwards, and RHP Shane Baz.
There’s no way the Cubs are getting both Ian Anderson and Kyle Wright for Kris Bryant.
I would do the trade I proposed with the Rays in a heartbeat – younger, better defense, and someone to put in the rotation for 2021. And my proposal more aligns with what the recent value is for a player of Bryant’s strengths and liabilities (terrible defense). Bryant was actually the 13th best 3B according to WAR last year in MLB.
Also, give Bote and Happ more at bats at 3B for 2020.
Doesn’t even happen in video games. Rule of thumb…never trade for Atlanta pitching prospects…they aren’t ever as good as they claim.
Adam Wainwright says hello.
LOVE it slowcurve. Awesome comment. mic drop. guess Waino hasn’t had that great a year.
Way to cherry-pick. Point proven.
Way too much considering Bryant get all 3 of those players by himself.
Not happening from an Atlanta standpoint. The Braves are interested, but not at that price!
That’s a terrible trade for both teams. ATL doesn’t want/need Schwarber/Almora. If any 2 are coming over it’s Bryant and Contreras tho they’d be dumb to pkg them, even if you could wrestle that type of pkg from the cold, dead hands of AA.
braves dont have enough for that package.
The Cubs aren’t going to trade Bryant alone for one quality prospect, and they aren’t adding more to get more. They’ll just keep Bryant unless they get 2-3 elite prospects.
STUPID!
You at least have to include the other half of the Contreras family. Willy and Willy on the North Side for years to come!
Braves get: Bryant, Almora, Short
Cubs get: Riley, Waters, 1 of Anderson or Mueller, and Inciarte
Guys the Braves are not parting with Waters or Pache unless a true superstar comes available. There are reasons they signed both outfielders ( Ozuna and Markakis) to one year deals. They plan to have both ( Pache and Waters) in their IF in 2021. Anderson is likely on the no trade list as well.
That is why I don’t see a trade happening between the Cubs and Braves. The Braves want to hold on to their young players, nothing wrong with that. Personally I think a trade with the Cubs would be costly but it definitely makes them the odds on favorite for their division and maybe a World Series bid. But they are young, they can wait until those guys are ready next year and hope the learning curve isn’t too much, they are built to last a few years until everyone starts getting expensive. I see Bryant ending up in Philly anyway. That’s gonna be a tough division
The Dodgers would still be the favorite, even if the Braves traded for Bryant. I think it would be foolish and short sighted for the Braves to trade either of there top three prospects. The Cubs are not wrong for asking though.
As stated already O don’t think Cubs fans are looking at the totality of Bryant’ Grievance. The Cubs lost time to construct a trade and bidders to drive the price.
The Braves have no interest in Bryant.
Discussions from earlier in the offseason say differently.
When someone creates a hypothetical trade proposal and is getting pounded by several different poster, I always avoid piling on..but not this time. This trade proposal is just really, really bad.
1. It would take two of those three players just to get Bryant and I’m certain there might be a Bryce Wilson or some other lotto ticket or two as well.
2. The Braves wouldnt want Shwarber. The guy has a pretty good bat but he isnt a good fielder. His -1 DRS isnt the worst thing in the world but his -.9 UZR pretty much means you’re putting a statue with a glove in your outfield
3. The Braves wouldn’t want Almora either. Inciarte is a better hitter, a better Center fielder by DRS and UZR and most Braves fans that I know want to trade HIM away.
4. Anthopoulos has not yet done a trade like this yet and I think that comes from his time with the Dodgers. Until the Betts trade, you didnt really see to many top prospects being traded away. The Dodgers have been letting their young talent mature and develop into contributors rather than trade it in for more expensive and established stars. AA won’t do a trade like this unless, MAYBE, he was being pushed and pressured the way the Dodgers FO was by continued post season failures.
@zainzain Do you pay attention to new rules in the pipeline? No way they trade Bryant plus Schwarber when possibly next year NL most likely will, at the least, play inter league games with a dh. Bryant or Heyward will most likely be gone this year. if it’s Heyward we will end up eating at least 10 mil of his contract each year
If the Pirates can tank the next few seasons, the Cubs can win the division this year.
Yea the pirates will tank, but you’re forgetting the brewers, the cardinals, and the reds…
Braves should trade for Bryant. Trade any of their overrated pitching prospects and Waters.
All of their pitching prospects are overrated….or they wouldn’t have wasted a ton of cash on….gulp….Cole Hamels. Think about it and stop listening to people writing stories for money.
This is a troll party right here. Sure, their P prospects must stink because of a 1-year bargain ATL. I guess their 2 top-30 OF prospects are also bad because they did the SAME THING with Ozuna. Just like Theo, AA isn’t trading for the sake of trading. Unlike your rhetoric, it’s got to make sense.
Agreed
While you aren’t necessary wrong, $18M for 1 year of Cole Hamels isn’t a bargain.
To get him to take a one year deal, it kinda is. If it was 18 mil per over a three year contract, I would agree., but it’s not, The Braves only committed for one season. He’s exactly what the Braves need right now, with out the long term commitment salary wise or blocking young pitchers. You have to look at all the factors, he is on this deal.
Umm…and he’s now injured just as he was at the end of last year. The Braves would have relied on their supposed ML aces if they truly believed in them. It you knew that already…right?
Yeah, you’re not looking at all the factors… Look at the actual market over the last few years. How many 36 year old starters are getting 3-year deals these days? Just because he fits what the Braves need, it doesn’t make it a bargain. It’s a smart deal for them, but it’s market value at best and likely a slight overpay.
Trade the pitchers.
Keep Waters.
How about the Cardinals offer Hudson,Gorman,Liberatore and either Bader or O’Neill for Bryant,Schwarber and Quintana? I know Cubs and Cardinals won’t make a trade with each other but just throwing out hypotheticals lol.
I dont think Cardinals should trade for Bryant cause he is not gonna sign a long term deal, why give up long term prospects for couple years of rental.
I think Cardinals are still 2-3 studs away from making a run, Bryant alone can’t fix it.
“2-3 studs away from making a run?”
A run at what? They won the division last year, and the only team to make a real effort at improvement was the Reds, who had a lot of ground to make up.
The NL Central may well be a four-team battle, with the Cardinals very much in the mix.
Winning that division is nothing to brag about. Cardinals had .562 winning percentage for a 1st place team, lowest out of all the divisions. Basically, they would be 3rd place in the all 3 divisions in AL and NL east. 2nd place in NL West.
The competition is tough now with Dodgers getting Mookie and Yankees getting the best pitcher in the game. Plus you got Astros, Twins, Braves, etc etc.
Cardinals need 2-3 more studs to compete with them. Bryant is not enough. Maybe bryant and one more star.
As a Cubs fan, I don’t see them winning against these teams, they need to make a change also.
@zainzain—of course winning that division, or any division is nothing to brag about. The Nationals didn’t win any of the six of them and they won the World Series.
When do you see a team trade 3 pieces of their team like Schwarber, Bryant & Quintana in 1 deal ????
Can we be at least a tad bit realistic with these proposals.
Cards & Cubs are never making a deal when they both feel as though they are competing.
Quintana is not longer a real piece, he can be replaced internally. Bryant alone isn’t going to fetch top 2 prospects, need to add Schwarber.
Reality is the Cubs haven’t been able to win with the same core since 2016. They have to do a semi rebuild/retool (call it whatever).
Cubs shouldve signed some of their cor to long term 2-3 years back liek white sox (cheaper long deal contract). They need to get young assets now,,,,Bryant and Schwarber should get top 2 studs (throw in quintana)
Heck, I would even trade Lester somehow….he is pretty much done. BUt another team that’s contending might take him.
Bryant would get minimum Anderson and Wright from the Braves. They’d include Waters because they wont trade Pache
zainzain–you say the Cubs should have signed long deals like the White Sox. ???????? Prior to this year the only player that Sox had signed to a contract like that was Tim Anderson. Hence, they’ve added Eloy and Robert.
In the recent past the Cubs had signed Rizzo and Castro to such deals and have added Hendricks and Bote to that list. I get it—Bote is not going to shake the earth for the next six years, but…….
People read stuff on the internet and believe it to be true….just because a guy like Hendricks is already established doesn’t mean his extension ahead of free agency doesn’t count.
Zainzan so Bryant will not get two prospects? And the Cubs need to throw in Schwarber too?
Hahhaha ok fool
Like I said its hypothetical as in I know it won’t happen plus I also said I know they will not trade with each other. Damn some of you people on here take proposals from other fans on this site too seriously and take the fun out of it all. I know the Cubs won’t trade all 3 in one deal especially with their divisional rivals,they’re not that stupid. Just trying to have some fun is all.Just be glad baseball season is here.
Adrian Gonzalez. Carl Crawford. Josh Beckett to Dodgers trade for one.
That was such a unique trade though because of the massive amount of money those guys were owed. As for who will win the central…I really think Cinci will be the frontrunners. STL always finds a way to compete, but they have quite a few question marks. Brewers….they’ll be in the mix, but I’m not sold on their roster. The Cubs will probably be in the 82-85 win category because of Maddon, otherwise they’d be 4-5 games worse.
Maddon?? He was costing the team 5-10 wins. Ok first few months last season he did good job considering the lethargic start. Once season got rolling he made terrible decisions managing the pitching staff. Team lost games 8-6 after he left starter in that was getting shelled early in games. He hasn’t a clue when to leave a pitcher in a game and when to remove one. Every year he managed the amount of manufactured runs went down. He’s great at playing a player out of position and burning out arms while other guys rest. Team shut out more than anyone else by manager not knowing how to construct lineup to maximize what was there.
Cards and Brewers weaker this year. Reds were above 500 after manager change in 2018. Manager does matter. Cubs still in division chase this year and if can get production from lineup and aging rotation can win. Cannot win anything more without a medium sized retool. Lack of graduating minor league pitchers and speed players really hurts. Bryant not the problem but not worth giving a contract to either. He’s not the best fielder and probably a future first baseman. The value of his at bats pale compared to Rizzo.
Why trade Schwarber? He’s not expensive, he hit 38 home runs, had 93 RBIs, hit .343 the last of the season and is playing a good left field. I fail to follow that logic.
Join Moooookie already
where is Turner going to play?
Dodgers can use Bryant in LF.
Bellinger, Betts, Pollack will be the starting OF for LAD..
Stop with the Brave proposals he is not going there. Any money AA has left will go to a rotation upgrade if any of the starters get hurt or fall on their face.
3B will be Camargo until either Riley is ready or Camargo himself stumbles.
Bryant will be a Phillie. Gives him 2 years to play with Harper and sell him on Philadelphia long term.
Surprised it isn’t done already.
The Phillies have nothing the cubs want. Their farm is worse than the Cubs. Bryant would rather stay in Chicago. If they can work something out. Between now and the end of 2021 they cant extend 5 players Baez,Rizzo, Schwarber Bryant and Contreas .. if their smart about it. Those 5 players will be only 110mil of their Payroll they’ll have plenty for pitching starting and relievers. They have 2 years of KB,Baez,Schwarber. 3 years with Contreas. 1 year for Rizzo. Threshold tax resets for 2021 then again in 2022. So by then Heyward and Darvish are off the books or at least one more year with Hsyward. They just need to be smart about it. Knowing the Ricketts they probably rather fire sale then sell the team for quadruple the profit or more
Heyward and Darvish are both Cubs through 2023.
You can’t extend any of those guys for at least a year, because the cubs need to get under the tax this year. And if you wait a year, each of them will be significantly more expensive, especially Bryant. So $110M is likely a pipe dream. But even then, you will easily be over the tax in 21, 22, and 23, and have to reset again. All while simply keeping the same team you have now that didn’t win a weak NL Central, but with less pitching.
You can’t keep this core together in Chicago and operate as a winning team within budget. A change has to be made.
how do you figure over on 21-23? Q, Lester and Chatwood are off the books to the tune of 46 million.
While I’ll agree the proposals are asking far to much, the Braves are definitely interested according to all reports. So to say he is not going there, is a little misleading as most proposed don’t happen. However there is defyalso still a possibility. And I wouldn’t be Surprised to see Freeman defer money to make it happen.
As far as the asking price? Cubs fans the Braves likely won’t part with Pache, Waters, or Anderson for Bryant. All three will crack the majors at some point in 2020. So as much as I think Bryant can be an ideal bat for the Braves, they will not part with a top 50 prospects for him. As far as all Braves pitchers being overrated? Was Soroka overrated? Fried? And Newcomb came around in the pen. So that’s just about as false of a statement as you can make, when you consider most prospects don’t make it at all. It’s always funny to me to see prospects undervalued but yet you want three of them at the same time.
Braves can’t keep top prospects and get Bryant also. You have to lose something valuable to get something valuable. I’m sure Braves will give 2 from Wright, Waters, riley, and Anderson.
But there was a report that Cubs wants 3 from that group and I think Braves think that’s too much. But I think Braves give 2 for sure.
You will not get Bryant for low tier prospects, it would make no sense for Cubs, they already have low tier prospects.
Its been pretty interesting to say the least to hear how most braves fans will only give up Riley and other low-tier prospects to get Bryant – I get this sense from multiple Braves fans on twitter. You can’t say how badly you want a player but then try to justify such a bad offer by turning around and then talking crap about the player you want. Pay up and get your guy for two years of your contention window or don’t. That’s how it works.
I’m sure they will NOT.
Pache, Waters, and Anderson will be starting for the Braves in 2021.
Riley and Wright were top 50 prospects this time last year. So yes they would be giving up value! Just not overpaying! Their would be more added on the back end, not the front.
Riley and especially Wright have done very little to inspire the Cubs to trade for. Bryant is a high character, rock solid proven talent with a load of post season experience and the stats to back it up. Riley might be something at some point, but the flailing Wright from last year would be nothing but an add on.
They were both top fifty prospects last season and while I do believe both have lost some luster, neither is at throw in status. If you believe the writers neither’s stock has fallen off much after struggling as rookies, just not as bright as last season. So you guys can tear down our young players, however barring an injury in ST, I seriously doubt you get a better offer. I don’t think fans realize the true ramifications of Bryant’s grievance ( regardless of if you agree with him or not).
IMHO Bryant has an MVP level bat, however there are questions about his ability to stay at 3B long term. I think at the right cost the Braves will take that defensive risk for two years. I think with most MLB contenders having already filled out the roster, that limits where the Cubs can trade him. And out if the ones that KB would be a true unchallenged upgrade, the Braves are the only team to have a farm deep enough to get the deal done. Braves GM AA knows this, he’s not going to crash the farm.
Keeping Bryant, which is an option, lessens his possible return at the deadline as he then only had one and a half seasons of control left. I just don’t think you guys are looking at what you’re asking in totality. The cards are stacked against the Cubs as far as getting a haul back. The Braves are the team that matches need, position, ability, and farm and they are the best bet, when the price comes down.
All that said…… injuries happen, so it only takes one desperate or foolish GM. So good luck.
There are some offsets to waiting until the trade deadline.. It’ll only be 1.5 years of control, but some of the contenders that have 3Bs might have injuries. Or teams that thought they were contenders, and see that they aren’t, might get desperate.
What part of the Braves aren’t interested don’t you understand? Bryant’s value is dropping like a stone! Probably can’t move him. They’ll unload someone else to get under the tax. Possibly Quintana!
Who cares that they were top prospects last year? They lost value. Cubs are not going to trade for those two based upon past value? That is like the Cubs saying pay us for what Bryant’s value was after 2017 when he was MVP
Steve… I agree with most of what you’re saying.. However, what people write or what the top 50 prospects expectations may be, they’re still prospects and unproven at the ML level. Bryant has a WAR of around 27 over the past 4 years which is higher than Arenado, Rendon and Donaldson’s. He’s not limited to 3rd as he’s legitimately played all 3 outfield positions and 1st base. I see what you’re saying about how the Braves are looking at it, but the Cubs are not going to give him away and I don’t think Epstein is desperate. It’ll be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
Bryant can not legitimately play all 3 OF positions. And yes I do believe he’d be fine at 1B and LF, however the Braves don’t need him at 1B or LF. Just 3B as of now. I agree the Cubs are not going to just give him away and I do get your point. But as stated there is more than just talent that is reason he’s in the market.
So the Cubs should give you Bryant and not get any good prospect who can “crack” the major league roster in 2020?
I offered 2 former top 50 prospects and both cracked the majors on a division winning team last year? Was your comment directed at someone else? Or are you not aware of this?
I agree, I think if anything is done before the season starts Bryant will be a Phillie, BUT, I don’t know if it will happen at all because the Cubs aren’t going to trade him there for less then Howard and Bohm. I know Philly is reluctant to trade Howard. I think that is the only thing holding up a trade
So the only thing holding up the trade is for the Cubs to say “keep the good prospect and give us some crap one?”
Would the dodgers have a crack? Turner is going to get more reps at 1st base right? Dodgers add Bryant as their everyday 3rd baseman and holy hell…
If Dodgers get Bryant then it’s probably going to be a dynasty, And somehow they sign Bryant and Mookie to long term….its over.
Lol because things never happen, such as injuries. Players also never underperform after an extension
Why not?
Dodgers have plenty offer w/o upsetting their roster or farm
eg Bryant and Contraris for some version of Joc/Stripling/Rios/Ruiz and couple A/AA prospects
Cubs get 2 good regulars, a solid young 3B/2B ready to contribute and clear good catcher prospect and save money to get under the cap this year and reset for the next two years
Lmao Cubs aren’t taking that deal.
Bryant and contreras?
Ruiz, May, Gonsolin, Amaya, Estevez Rios, Christian Santana would be the prospect side at least and Stripling would be an add on.
Each of Schwarber and Bryant are capable of fetching a huge return of at least 1 top 50 prospect plus more. You want both you’re gonna have to convince the Cubs it’s worthwhile to trade them in 1 deal instead of separate deals, which means it will cost A LOT..
Then just go over tax, pay the penalty, have no flexibility, continue to miss a good outfielder who can hit homers and struggle to find a #4/5 starter
Not my problem
Except for the fact that LAD have a 3B and a catcher. Turner has better numbers than Bryant over the past three years, so you have no leverage there. Contreras is pretty good, But so is Will Smith. Keep Bryant one more year, and trade Contreras for Smith & Gray, though I doubt you’ll get it.
Bryant and Contreras for Buehler.
And Dustin May and no Contreras
Now who is insane? Buehler being one of the top 10 SP in baseball is worth far more than either Bryant or Contreras alone. Is either one of them one of the top 10 hitters in mlb? If not then you need more than just one of them to get Buehler.
Bryant for Bader and Wong.
Not gonna happen. And if it did it’s a terrible trade for the Cubs. If it did it would cost 4 or 5 players.
Why is Arenado disgruntled?
Because the Rockies signed him long term, said they would compete, fell flat on their faces last season, and spent weeks discussing trading Arenado, their best player and biggest draw.
because being rich isnt good enough for him and he believes rhetoric too much.
Believe it or not, people go into a profession for things other than money. just because you don’t make a lot doing what you do doesn’t mean you can dismiss how others go about their livelihood.. you neanderthal.
Overrated player on an overrated team.
I hear the FEAR from your voice all the way from St Louis !
I can smell the alcohol on your breath all the way from Aurora!!
Much more likely to go to the World Champions who have the $$ to pay him, a Rendon-vacated 3B, and Victor Robles and 6’8” 1st round pick RHP Jackson Rutledge to trade.
Nats arent trading Robles
So are the Nats in discussions with the Cubs for Bryant? Yes. Will the Cubs accept anything less for the former NL MVP? No. So why talk unless considering trading a young stud not named Soto and a top tier pitching prospect the Cubs sorely need? Just don’t be so sure. Rizzo would love to bring Bryant to DC (and he is worth it).
Any Braves trade would likely center around Riley, a year removed fro a top 50 prospect. He struggled after being hot out of the gate. Do more would be added. The Cubs are said to want pitching and I’d think the Braves would add a pitcher or pitching prospect not named Soroka, Fried, or Anderson. Wright and Wilson are both wild cards depending on how the cubs feel about them. However it’s highly unlike the Braves trade any of their top three prospects and I also think the Cubs ask may be higher than the Braves are willing to pay. I do think the two are natural trade partners as far as fits and needs. The teams could easily make a trade if both sides are motivated.
There is no way that Soto will be traded from the nationals unless maybe for trout himself
What’s the difference between the KB article from yesterday? Seems like the same info
It’s the writers sense of entitlement. The RS, between the signaling investigation, firing Cora, and the Betts frenzy, the writers didn’t have to leave their kitchen to write a story.
The Red Sox have spoiled them.
When Hoystein sees the Cubs floundering just under .500 at the trade deadline that’s when Bryant will be shopped heavily.
They wont be under .500 they’ll contend all year. They’re still 10/1 odds to win the world series. The Dodgers and Yankees and 1 and 2 favorites ar 3/2 and 4/1.
They are 25/1 this morning, not 10/1. 11th best odds in baseball
Gut feeling…. Bryant goes to the Angels?
They have no farm system……
he goes there only as a Free Agent.
Bryant for Adell
Next CBA. Set high CBT thresholds for god’s ale. Have these rich owners pay
Why do you care if the owners pay more?
And, if the spending cap goes up 10% for everyone, the same news that you will see today, you will see next year.
Right now…the Cubs are still loaded with people who have WS rings on their finger……..
Brewers….No
Reds….No
Cardinals …..very few…
Pirates……..ha ha ha
Bryant will be a Top Five MVP this year……
Schwarber will bust out…..leave him in the lineup, watch him hit 50 HR’s
Rizzo will be Rizzo…..30 HRs, 100 RBIs, getting nailed tagged out between second & third about a dozen times…..
Baez is healthy…..ready to be a Top Three MVP….
Contreras will show he is a top hitting catcher…..
Darvish will be a CY Young candidate
Kimbrel will be Lights Out.
Cubs hit around 96 wins !
Love it
81 wins at best!
Why are you selling them low? Their biggest loss was Nicholas Castellanos. Other than that they lost aging arms. Strop hasn’t been the same in 2 years. Steve Cishek is decent at times but nothing spectacular. Brandon Kintzler went to the Marlins/ whatever team he’s traded to at the deadline
They lost Casty, won 84 games, and added a bunch of minor league free agents. So unless their ragged rotation and bullpen can come alive, they are going to have a hard time
This article literally offers nothing that hasn’t been reported for months.
Same spit different day
Keep your eyes on Texas.
They just don’t have the pitching that the Cubs have to get from a Bryant trade.
How is it that Cubs ownership is maligned? 3rd largest media market and sold out stadium.
To be honest, failures in the post-season and the media have generated a lot of negative press. With that negative energy built up the ownership has been criticized about talking about budget and how little of it they have to use while also trying to get under luxury tax. While getting under luxury tax is legit – the multi-million dollar renovated neighborhood they have built, as well as, tv network they have created (stripping everyone of WGN) are seen as major money grabs that have boosted the revenues and value of the Cubs – so this seems like a kick in the nuts to the fans who just want to see improvements from last years failures but nothing has really been done to correct this the last two offseasons. Everyone is wound up.
Just like with the RS, however, the fans can’t expect the team to spend more and more money. If your team spends to the cap, and occasionally over it, the fans should be okay with it.
And just like with the RS, this is simply the price that fans have to pay for a WS. All the kids get expensive, and all the l/t contracts decline.
as a Cubs fan, I accept this fate – I am not happy about their failures but not everything goes to plan. Throw me back 10 years and i would still be wishing we would have new owners and GM to take the Cubs into a new direction. So, as long as we keep our payroll up with smart FA signings and stay competitive that is all I look forward to in seasons to come.
I can’t fathom why the Phillies keep showing up in the KB talk. Basically the Phils only have two top prospects is Bohm and Howard. They would have to be bonkers to part with both for just two years of KB.
Yes, they have a clear need, but at what cost. KB doesn’t guarantee them a post season berth.
Last I checked, the Phillies pitching is still sketchy.
With some of the packages Cubs fans are asking for, I think they are going to be extremely disappointed in the return if KB is traded. This isn’t 2007, teams with financial restrictions do not just give away a handful of top prospects for two year rentals anymore. Some are asking for the kind of return Lindor would receive. I love KB, but he’s not Lindor.
I do believe he’ll net two top 100 prospects or former top 100, plus lower specs. I just don’t think he’ll net more than that or a spec in the top 40.
Time will tell.
Just trade him to Texas!
That would require a 4 for 1 deal. Or 3 for 1 and a draft pick. Any 3 of Hans Crouse. RHP.Cole Winn. RHP.Leody Taveras. Josh Jung. Tyler Phillips
Enough with the unfounded Kris Bryant trade rumors. Every year since the 2014 Offseason the Cubs have been “shopping” Bryant, though this Offseason has been the most intensely annoying. 29 other GM’s saying the Cubs are “aggressively shopping,” Kris Bryant doesn’t matter. What matters is what Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein are doing.”, and they said the would be “willing to listen” on anybody. That is what launched these proverbial thousand ships several years ago. Incidentally Kris Bryant didn’t file the service time grievance, Scott Boras did, in his name. The Cubs aren’t going to trade Kris Bryant this winter. If they trade him at all, it will be at the deadline, and for a mighty haul,. They may trade him next Offseason or Deadline if they can’t work a contract. Otherwise, he’s not going anywhere. You want to shed payroll? Trade Heyward (I love the guy, but there it is). You’d have to eat a lot of his payroll, and wouldn’t get much in return, but, depending upon the deal, you’d get below the precious luxury tax line. Personally, I say blow past the line. Two more years of a World Series Window.
Wow! This is genius, I can’t believe no one thought of this sooner.
Heyward would have to go as a David Price type of addition. I’m the Kaplan camp of ship out Quintana, and we’re right under luxury tax.
The amount of salary you have to kick in for Heyward counts against the cap. Unless you have someone ready to step into his position, you won’t save much.
IMHO, your problem is that there were two really good 3Bs available this year. So the two teams that really wanted a 2B, already signed one. Bryant should really be worth a Betts package, but most of the contending teams already have one. Even worse, the teams with the best farms, don’t need one either.
Any chance Yankees trade Andujar and prospects for Bryant? ideally was hoping for Andujar for Schwarber but that’s not happening either
No, Andujar is a DH. You’re trying to sell junk just like the Braves fans who think Riley would be the centerpiece
What prospects? Schwarber isnt getting traded. Bryant is 100x better than Andujar will ever be.
Arizznado????
A Sith Lord??
Bryant to the Saints for Brees and 2 1st round picks
Trade:
Nationals get Jason Heyward and Kris Bryant
Cubs get kieboom wil crowe and Michael Taylor
They’re heroes in a half shell ….. and they’re green!!!!
Better add about 5 other players. Bryant pulls in 3 players alone. That’s an insult. Not even the Phillies would offer that. They know Theo laughs and hangs up. Cutting all ties to any trade with the Nationals
You realize this would be the Cubs giving up Heyward’s horrendous contract too, right?
To move Heyward and get Kieboom would be quite the return. Heyward negates all of Bryant’s value. Much like Price did with Betts
You realize that if nationals could add 39+ mil to the pay roll they’d just sign Rendon back (Bryant 18+, Heyward 21+)
I don’t get the Cubs end game? If they’re looking to trade someone Schwarber and/or Darvish. Take that money and give it to Bryant.
Darvish was great down the stretch. Schwarber is finally coming into his own. Highly underrated LF. He has 11 career errors in left. According to all the talking heads he’s a liability. I think he only had 5 errors as a catcher. And he didn’t play that much catcher
Errors is one very minor aspect of fielding. His range is his issue, not the mistakes he makes on routine balls
His range is just fine. He had 10 assist in each of the last 2 seasons. It helps tremendously to have Baez cover 2nd
Arenado & Pinder to White Sox, Moncada moves back to 2B
Madrigal & Oberg to A’s
Vaughn, Dunning, Barreto, Kaprelian, Barrera, Mateo to Rockies
Story to Reds
India and Garcia to Rockies
Helps all in 2020 and makes sense for all teams.
Lol strike 5 .. Hit that pipe 1 more time
Could be wrong but I dont think there’s going to be any blockbuster’s between now and April 1st. However I would forecast that there will be more activity before this year’s trading deadline.
Phillies don’t have enough to give the Cubs. Worse farm than the Cubs
Braves may package Bryse Wilson, Austin Riley, Ender Inciarte, and Shane Greene for Kris Bryant, Cash and Jose Quintana. Cash of 12 million waived for Albert Almora.
that is not happening.
Replace Riley with Andersom add Wright then take out Inciaarte and throw in anyone hut him.
A package to Atlanta starts with Ian Anderson and Bryse Wilson. They wont get him without those two. If they’re desperate they’ll pull the trigger. Anderson, Wilson and Wright and a draft pick
Zero chance on this foolish idea.
Someone in the NL East will panic by June and will want Bryant …….
the price will be higher then !……
then again, Bryant might be in a playoff race with the Cubs…then why trade him ?
That is why Theo is in the driver seat on this one, he can sit and wait for another team to cave in on his demands.
NL Central in 2020
1st Cubs
2nd Cardinals
3rd Reds
4th Brewers
5th Joe Bidden
1st. Reds
2nd Cardinals
3rd Brewers
4th. Cubs
5th Pirates
Bryant is on the shopping list of the…..
Rangers
Dodgers
Padres
Phillies
Nationals
Mets
Braves
Twins
Theo will send out his Scouts to see these teams farm systems……they might have to take on another Cubs contract ( Chatwood ) to get the trade done………might toss in a Cubs Prospect to make the trade interesting.
Twins? They just signed Donaldson. He can play pretty much anywhere. He’s more valuable at 3rd
Like Bryant to the Dodgers enough to suggest Pedersen, Muncy and Goslin to Chicago
lol why would they trade muncy
Muncy plays multiple positions so he’d be ok for the Cubs – as for why trade him, allows Turner to go to first making room for Bryant and upgrades team speed and defense. As for Pedersen, simply a salary drop from a position of depth. Goslin is icing on the cake for the Cubs.
Imagine a lineup with Betts, Bellinger and Bryant – the killer bee’s
Makes no since for both teams. Pederson is a free agent after the season and cannot hit lefties which is a problem on the Cubs already, no reason for the Dodgers to add Muncy and Cubs have Rizzo playing 1B, not a real need for the Cubs. I like Goslin but got to do better than that for Bryant which the Dodgers have not need to do anymore with the Betts trade
How are they worried so much over 6mil dollars? Especially when over 50mil came off the books after 2019.
Trade Daniel Descalso he’s getting 3mil this year. You can trade him for a box of rocks. Then pay 3 million out of pocket.
To me, this is reminiscent of the Marlins when they sold off their team. I believe Ricketts family would much rather spend their money in the political arena, where their ROE, based on last few years would be much higher.
Make sure his mind will be right and keep him in Chicago.
Believe that the Cubs would trade Bryant straight up for either Drew Waters or Christian Pache.
They need pitching. Neither of those 2 pitches. Bryant for Anderson ,Wright and Wilson or Waters
Pache is Billy Hamilton 2.0
This is for all the those that think cubs finish 4th in the division
1st base
1. Rizzo-Goldschmidt
2. Bell
3.
4. Braun
5. Votto
2nd base
1. Hiura
2. Mouse
3. Wong
4. Hoerner
5. Pirates
SS
1. Javy
2. DeDong
3.
4.
5. Galvis/whoever pirates/whoever brewers
3rd
1. Bryant
2. Saurve
3. Edman/Carp
4. Sogard
5. Moran
Catcher
1. Contreras
2. Molina
3. Navarro
4. Barnhart
5. Pirates
LF
1. Schwarber
2. Garcia
3. Winkler
4. Oneil
5. Pirates
CF (weakest position in league)
1. Cain
2. Ayikama/Senzel
3. Bader
4. Almora/Happ
5. Pirates
RF
1. Yelich
2. Castillinos/Aquino
3. Poland
4. Heyward
5. Fowler
SP
1. Gray/Castillo/Bauer
2. Flaherty/mikolas/wainwright/Hudson
3. Darvish/ Hendricks/Q/ Lester
4. Woodruff/…….
5. Keller/Archer/ Musgrove
RP
1. Brewers Hader
2. Reds Igalsis
3. Cards
4. Cubs (for now)
5. Pirates
So I’m very confused on how some of you think cubs are finishing 4th in the division lol just trollin or have a very low baseball IQ cause they still have the best lineup in the division , and if Darvish pitches like he did last half of 2019 hes an Ace , kimbrel n morrow come back healthy that changes a lot as well