Now that Mookie Betts is on the move, Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant is the top name available on the trade market. As the Cubs head into spring training, the front office reportedly continues to discuss trading Bryant with multiple teams.
According to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies have held conversations with Chicago regarding a trade for Bryant.
While the Cubs aren’t as determined to trade their star as the Boston Red Sox were, Chicago’s front office hasn’t established a deadline for teams when trade discussions would stop, per Morosi.
The Rockies and Cubs discussed a Bryant-for-Nolan Arenado swap this offseason, but it’s unlikely to come to fruition.
Bryant recently lost his service-time grievance against the Cubs, ensuring that he remains under contract for the next two seasons. The grievance was viewed as the main hurdle preventing a potential blockbuster trade with Chicago’s front office itching to make a big move this offseason.
The star third baseman Bryant is coming off another strong season at the plate in 2019. He posted a .282/.382/.521 slash line with 31 home runs and drove in 77 runs.
Bryant could fill the void created when Anthony Rendon left the Nationals this offseason. He could also provide the Phillies and Rangers with another big bat that they’ve sought all offseason.
While it remains unlikely that Bryant will be traded before Opening Day, Chicago’s willingness to move him makes him the top name to watch as the MLB trade deadline approaches.