Kris Bryant’s long-running service-time grievance against the Cubs finally came to an end last week. Bryant lost the hearing, meaning he’ll remain under team control for two more years instead of one. As you’d expect, the players’ association isn’t enamored of the results. MLBPA executive director Tony Clark issued a statement on the matter Tuesday:
“The Players Association disagrees with the decision issued today in the Kris Bryant service-time grievance. While we respect the finality of that decision, we will continue to pursue any and all measures that incentivize competition, discourage service-time manipulation and ensure clubs field their best players. We applaud Kris’ courage and determination in challenging the Cubs’ actions and seeing the grievance through to the end.”
Although Bryant understandably fought the Cubs over team control after they delayed his rookie promotion, he said last week he harbors no ill will against the club. While there doesn’t seem to be bad blood between the two sides, that doesn’t mean Bryant will be a Cub for much longer. The Cubs have had a modest offseason after last year’s dud of a finish, and if they’re as focused as getting under the luxury tax as, say, the similarly deep-pocketed Red Sox (who traded Mookie Betts and David Price on Tuesday), Bryant might not stick around for much longer. Bryant has been the subject of trade speculation for months, after all, and the fact that the $18.6MM man is controllable for two years instead of one should only help his value on the market.
A 28-year-old former NL MVP, Bryant has a pair of suitors in the Nationals and Phillies, who have shown “at least exploratory interest” in him, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. This isn’t the first time either team has been connected to the 28-year-old Bryant this offseason, though, and it’s unclear whether they’re more inclined to trade for him now that the third base market has all but emptied out in free agency. The Nationals re-signed Asdrubal Cabrera, who figures to hold the position down until prospect Carter Kieboom’s set to take the reins, while the Phillies have the versatile Scott Kingery as their projected starter and Alec Bohm waiting in the wings.
The Braves, yet another NL East team, are in questionable shape at the hot corner, where they look prepared to roll with Johan Camargo and Austin Riley in the wake of Josh Donaldson’s exit in free agency. Nevertheless, the Braves have not been discussing Bryant with the Cubs, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, so it continues to look unlikely that he’ll end up in Atlanta.
1st
Nice
He said 1, not 69
Good job.
Well that looks like a random comment by yours truly. It was in response to an I’m first comment that has disappeared. Anyways Braves fans need not get excited about this and instead get behind our current roster because odds are likely that not much will chance be between now and opening day.
69th
Niceeeee
420th
Who’s counting?
I’ve been saying the Yankees should get him / Frazier,Andujar and two top ten prospects
That’s a lot of stuff
A lot of stuff they don’t need, especially when Frazier and Andujar are DHs
So then why would an NL team want either of them if they’re DHs?
Because Yankees fans don’t generally consider what the other team is gonna want or need when they dream up trade scenarios.
brian214
“Because Yankees fans don’t generally consider what the other team is gonna want or need when they dream up trade scenarios.”
Except for the fact that 1738hotlinebling is NOT a NYY fan, you might have a point. Instead you’ve just got a pointy pinhead.
They see a bat boy that makes a trick and go viral next day in the video comments you see Yankees fans making trade scenarios.
So then why would an NL team want either of them if they’re DHs?
Because DH will be in NL in 2021?
Not very likely tbh
The Cubs already have Schwarber.
Won’t have Schwarber for long…
Bryant should be a DH also.
Come on, his defense is flawless, don’t you remember the 12 days he had in the minors to perfect his defense?
The Yankees seem content to just let Frazier rot away in AAA. The guy needs a legit chance.
For Kris Bryant? Lolol
Sorry but Andujar, Stanton, and cash are going to the Rox for Arenado and Desmond.
I think you’ve been partaking in too much legal Colorado weed. Lolol
Hot take: KB returns to Cubs, finishes top 5 in mvp voting
KB won’t be a cub beyond the all star break. Cubs will finish 3rd or 4th in nl central
Player development isn’t linear. Because the Cubs are young everyone thinks they’ve all peaked…they haven’t. Remember that.
Sorry, but Cubs are no longer young. In fact the pitching staff is downright old. Theo has botched everything he’s touched since the champagne dried from the world series celebration. KB should be a cornerstone for the next decade, but idiotic signings like Heyward, kimbrel etc sucked up all of daddy ricketts money
Reds are sneaky good team in the central.
Seems like it isn’t really sneaky if everyone keeps saying the Reds are sneaky good.
do you think they will make playoffs? The Reds , I mean
I agree. They will be punting on 2020 if they do trade him.
There is no rush to trade him. Revisit at the deadline or next offseason if the team is not competing but I think they’ll be in the thick of the race.
Bryant is an error waiting to happen, is always hurt and is not a good clutch hitter. Trading him could make them better.
Might stay with the Cubs but a lit of Cubs fans hope he goes.
Would love if the Phillies could somehow pull this off. The NL east is tough af and they need all the help they can get to try and lock down 3rd place
Then what do you do with Bohm?
He’d be on the Cubs.
As long as the Phillies keep Howard, I’m a ok with this
I would just put it under the hood and wire it to the ignition.
and you’re a fan? you should at least say 2nd, which is already feasible at this point.
Yes, I’m a die hard Phillies fans. But I’m also a realistic fan and someone who likes to make jokes
Fan*
sarcasm falls on deaf ears quite often around these parts lol
Doesn’t seem to me, the Phillies have the available talent to match up with the Cubs needs and preferences.
This Cubs ownership will be alienating fans if they do this, just to save a couple million bucks?,you trade one of your best players.. I’m disappointed as a loyal Cubs fan.
I agree. Cub fans LOVE Bryant. Ownership that doesn’t consider its fans, won’t have any.
Either sign him long term or take the draft pick when he’s a free agent.
Wat. Cubs fan here who actually knows Bryant is not resigning. A trade could help jump start a mini-rebuild. I’ll take that over a measly draft pick.
You do? How do you know this?
Bryant and Boras will take the best all around financial offer available. If the Cubs offer is better, he’ll stay a Cub.
It would appear that some posters think that Bryant and Boras are a pair of fifth graders having an Instagram spat with the Cubs.
Well Boras is his agent and he is definitely mad at service time manipulation. Only way he signs extension is if they pay him over-market price. Would have to top Arenando deal and push 300 mil. Cubs have a lot of free agents coming up in two years
Bryant has said he has no ill will toward the Cubs and that he’d like to be a Cub for life. It was also reported that the grievance wasn’t even his idea, but something the MLBPA asked him to file as a precedential measure. There were also reports that Biras has been talking to the Cubs since November about an extension. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he’s extended next offseason.
I’d be colored surprised on all fronts if he doesn’t hit free agency. He can say all of that publicly. He would be dumb not to, can’t burn any bridges. At the end of the day, millions could cure a lot of hurt feelings if he did have real grievance. Doesn’t change the fact it is highly unlikely you keep Rizzo, Baez, Bryant, and Schwarber while paying them all market value. If I had to make a small wager, my money would be starting the season with Cubs and traded at deadline if somehow not in contention. If not then, traded next off-season.
Maybe Cubs fans should start loving Heyward you guys still have him for 4 more seasons at 21 million per.
But Cubs fans will turn out no matter what. Do you really think attendance will fall if Bryant is dealt? Won’t make any financial difference to them, so why not deal him.
Cub fans are like Rats following the pied piper right off a cliff! They get mad, pop off but still go thru the turn styles!
I am a lifelong fan and I would be alienated if they don’t trade Bryant. They will have an offense without him, but they can’t compete now or the next few years with this starting rotation. They need pitching prospects.
“They need pitching prospects.”
Then the Cubs need Atlanta as a trade partner.
Will be interesting how much LAD was holding up the trade market
Let’s be real, no one would trade a Bryant or Arenado unless they felt LAD was fully focused on their asset, or made their move
Could be a fun week if some of the rumors start heating up
Going to Dodgers
Now that would be hilarious. Dodgers could trade from their wealth of youth to truly acquire an All Star Team full of ex-MVPs in hopes of ending their 30+ year drought. Maybe they’d even pull it off.
Damn D0m now I’m gonna be refreshing this site all morning hoping to see this trade happen.
Phillies probably could land him if they flipped Segura to avoid luxury tax problems and put Kingrey back at 2nd
What happened to stupid money? Luxury tax shouldn’t be owners concern for one year.
I hope the Cubs don’t trade Kris, but I think that the most obvious suitor at this point is the Padres who just lost out on Betts. Bryant, Grisham, and Pham would be their new outfield.
I would think the Cubs would be interested in Margot and the wealth of the Padres pitching prospects especially Patino. Will Myers could be sent to the Cubs but the Padres would need to pay 15 million per year.
You ever heard of some guy by the name of manny machado who signed there long term bryant not going there ….if traded its gonna be the phillies cause everyone knows he will be there cause his best friend is there
Read his post, he stated Bryant can play the outfield, which is capable of doing
Makes no sense. Bryant isn’t trading himself. But as a 70 year loyal Cubs fan, I hope he goes somewhere else. We will be better without him.
From a 60 year fan, I agree!
You ever heard of some guy by the name of manny machado who signed there long term bryant not going there ….if traded its gonna be the phillies cause everyone knows he will be there cause his best friend is there
Have you heard that Bryant also plays LF….
“…we will continue to pursue any and all measures that incentivize competition, discourage service-time manipulation and ensure clubs field their best players.”
Tony Clark is a such a bum.
ALL he does is complain about the VERY predictable after effects of the terrible CBA that he negotiated and signed.
He also voiced his opinion when Bryant did not make the opening day roster. Bryant at the time was on a minor league roster and the union does not represent minor leaguers. Talk about working backwards.
Theo’s gotta be happy about the return on the betts trade. Trade market bounced back a bit last night and now it’s time to trade Bryant. If he can get a couple NL East teams bidding against each other- he should get a nice return
This whole grievance is so subjective. MLB and union should have had rules in place that specifically state and clearly delineate the service times. Since there are no rules and it’s just guess and by golly as to when service time accrues to a player, of course they are going to find themselves in this awkward position. The club and the player and the union deserve all the negativity they are receiving since no one ever thought it might be a good idea to SAY when service time begins. What a farce.
Gee, if only there were a device that you could use to answer questions that one might have. You could almost call it a “web” of sorts.
Per mlb.com: Each Major League regular season consists of 187 days (typically 183 days prior to 2018), and each day spent on the active roster or injured list earns a player one day of service time.
Service time begins the very first day you are on the Major League roster.
There are rules. The Cubs played by the rules. Bryant’s case was lost the moment it began.
This was the not so subtle point I was making. This is what we do in this country; if we don’t like the rules then we classify ourselves as victims and/or paint anyone who tries to abide by rules as oppressive, mean, intolerant, racist, Yada yada yada.
I wonder if Garcia,florial,Frazier, andujar, green for Bryant and cash would work.
Frazier, andujar, green slide in on the cheap, and have upside.
Garcia and florial are former/current lottery tickets close to the majors.
Yanks are in win now mode, plus the Cubs burned their bridge with Bryant..twice.
No chance. Cubs fans are soooo delusional. Lucky to get Frazier and 2 players you never heard of
The Betts trade proved you don’t get that much back for one year of a super star!! A good young outfielder and had to involve the Twins to get a prospect! They did unload Price though!
Lol no
Florial close to the majors? He has plateaued at high A. Andujar and Frazier are likely DH’s that would not fit the Cubs in 2020. Farazier also carries attitude problems.
I’m glad he learn his lessons from opening his big mouth last year. Running down a rival teams Beautiful City must have gave that team incentives to beat the crap out of them that last 4 game series at their own home stadium and knock the cubs to third place.
Yeah, you and Yadi were just about the only ones fired up about that. Glad you have something to cling on to.
BTW, KB was joking at a Cub convention interview when he said that, but it’s true that St. Louis is boring and probably in the lowest quartile of interesting MLB cities.
Keep it up son your going to be disappointed again this year.
Ok. grandma. We shall see.
And maybe I was being too down on StL. I’ll upgrade them to lowest third of interesting MLB cities.
BUT THE ARCH
All of September cub fans kept going on and on and on saying they’re not worried they were 3 or 4 games behind the Cardinals. We’ve still got that 4 game series left at home at the stupid confines of weed on the wall raggly field. We’ll get em then for sure. I still can’t stop laughing. A 4 game sweep em away!
When God gives the earth an enema, the hose will be inserted in St. Louis. It is a sad dump of a city with a historically very good MLB team.
You should go buy some Julianna Zobrist CDs to celebrate then. If Ben doesn’t go on the restricted list, the Cubs don’t have the payroll space to pick up Kimbrel. He lost games 1 and 3. Darvish pitched into the 9TH in game 4. Kimbrel didn’t take the mound the rest of the season.
So, been awhile but I happen to have $.02c to contribute..So, as a Phan, of course I’d love to see KB in Philly. But, the truth is their farm is almost bare..Bohm hasn’t proved anything..Last we read, his fielding is very suspect..I wouldn’t have a big problem moving him…after him, there is Howard who shows he could be a solid arm in the near future..pitchers are golden..after Howard, nothing to give..I wouldn’t expect the Phillies to be big players in this…while everyone could use a good young bat, this Phillies team needs arms, arms and some more arms…
Bryant to Philly or WSH would certainly be intriguing. I’d love to see Harper, Realmuto and Bryant in the same lineup.
At some point you have to have some lower cost impact pieces. Bryant does not make this club a World Series contender so the team should probably hold onto Bohm and see if he can deliver at least offense at the MLB level.
Phillies have plenty of low cost pieces…ohhhh you said impact pieces…well that’s troubling.
“While we respect the finality of that decision, we will continue to pursue any and all measures that incentivize competition, discourage service-time manipulation and ensure clubs field their best players.”
Except during negotiating time.
Atlanta not being a likely partner for Bryant is bad news for the Cubs. I always thought they had the best package available with Drew Waters and one of either Wright or Andersen to go along with either Camargo or Riley.
The Cardinals will send the rights to Ernie Broglio in exchange for Bryant! Who says no? Hahaha
The Cardinals……..
The mlbpa signed the agreement to allow service time to work that way.
Washington could really use him, but the farm is pretty barren. I guess you could start a package with Kieboom, but not much else to offer, from what I see.
I get the unions stance on this stuff but come on!!! Does Clark really think the MLBPA should set MLB rosters? The team should decide the best team on the field not Tony Clark. I get that Bryant was likely ready for the big leagues but he’s getting used by the union as an example to try and leverage MLB. Not good for baseball.
If the MLBPA disagrees with the result then maybe they should negotiate better service time considerations to avoid manipulation. That is LITERALLY their job. The Cubs operated within the rules and there was no way Bryant would have won this case.
That happened in the current agreement. The trouble is that service manipulation is hard to prove, as evidenced by the length of the dispute & the verdict. At the time in question speculation was rampant in the press that the Cubs were leaving Bryant off the opening day roster specificaly to manipulate his service time while pointing out that was a violation of the CBA
how bout if KB joins the Dodgers at the AS break?
The Dodgers need a left fielder.
Dodgers have pitching prospects.
Just trade him already… to LAD.
Don’t forget the Rangers, boys.
Hey MLBPA, your players approved the rules.
Does anyone think that agents and arbitrators should be setting the 26 man rosters?
What’s next? Nike and Adidas getting a say?
Why don’t the Pads make a run at him?
Padres really only have 2 prospects that are really appealing, After that it is a crapshoot. and the Padres are not going to trade Gore or Patino. and Cubs are not going to take a bunch of fringe prospects in return. Also Padres need to get rid of Myers contract which the Cubs will not take either. Padres and Cubs are just not a good fit.
I could see SD pivoting to Bryant since they lost out on Betts, but while they have a wealth of young pitching, that staff isn’t going to last beyond the play-in game. Same is basically true of PHI. They can assemble a murderers row lineup, but they’ll ultimately be limited by the truckload of question marks in the rotation. Nats seem like a fit, but who would they send back in a deal? Braves match up best with CHI imo.
The Phillies are a long, long, long way from assembling a “Murderers Row”.
Would be fun if he’s the second big name to get moved this month.
If Fehr and Orza or Miller were still running the union, he would have won his case. They routinely came out on top. Was it always good for the game…open to debate.
Maybe Clark and the attorneys for the Players Union will come up with a better contract for the players in the next round of contract talks !
The way I see it, Theo is not getting his asking price……for now…..
So Bryant stays……
and Bryant & the Cubs are winning in 2020…..
and if they are 500 in July, Bryant might be sought by a desperate team…..
in the NL East, there are FOUR teams that could use Bryant……
in the NL West, Padres are looking up at the Dodgers…..
Dodgers still have great prospects to trade for Bryant……
Who knows who might trade for Bryant in the AL…..
and someone said earlier, Bryant could be a Top Three MVP candidate this year…
and the trade return price will go up as we speak !
Bryant, Rizzo, Schwarber, Contreras, Baez………we still got five guys who can hit over 30HRs..
Contreras might be a bit of a stretch, but your point is well taken.
I still think you need to reach out to the Rays… Brujan Or Edwards plus 2 of Baz, Honeywell, or McClanahan
Or Padres Patino, Weathers
Or keep him
I think the only sure thing is that the Cubs don’t stand a chance of signing him when his contract is up. They did nothing wrong, mind you. It’s just ruffled fur now.
I just wish Liberty Media would sell the Braves to a very very wealthy ownership That would commit to spending money more consistently and bring in some of the top tier players they continuously miss out on. Now I don’t want the Braves stuck with a bunch of bad contracts but at the same time this team has proven they are ready to win the last 2 years. They let JD move in and he was a very important piece to presumably be replaced by 2 players (Camargo & Riley) Camargo who looks like he is barely playing with effort at times and Riley who can’t hit anything other than a fastball. Why not try to trade for a 3rd baseman who is proven like Arenado or Bryant or even Lindor and not waste these prime years away.