The Chicago Cubs could be in for significant changes this offseason, and trade talks surrounding one of their best players could be a major storyline.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan suggested that the Cubs could listen to trade offers for third baseman Kris Bryant during the winter. He cites people inside the organization who believe that a “big shake-up” could be necessary, with the team believed to be underachieving in 2019. While lame duck manager Joe Maddon could be a casualty of that belief, there are reasons to believe that Bryant could at least be trade bait.
Passan notes that the Cubs would like to replenish their farm system. Bryant is a client of agent Scott Boras, who is known for taking players he represents to free agency. The third baseman will remain under team control through the 2021 season. With two years of team control left, this winter may be a tempting time for the Cubs to gauge the market for him.
There is no guarantee Bryant gets traded, and it appears to be informed speculation at this point. With another of the league’s young stars in the same boat, however, it’s probably worth paying attention to.
