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The Chicago Cubs seem to want to slash payroll while also shaking up the roster in general, and two of their top players could be available via trade as a result.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, both third baseman Kris Bryant and catcher Willson Contreras are “in play,” with Sherman noting that he would not be surprised if neither were on the Cubs come opening day.
Bryant is coming off a 2019 campaign in which he slashed .282/.382/.521 with 31 home runs, 35 doubles and 77 RBI over 634 plate appearances en route to an All-Star appearance.
The 27-year-old was originally selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. However, he opted to play collegiate baseball at the University of San Diego instead, and three years later, Chicago took him with the second overall pick.
Bryant made his big-league debut in 2015, slashing .275/.369/.488 with 26 long balls and 99 RBI across 650 trips to the dish, making the All-Star team and winning NL Rookie of the Year. He followed that up with an MVP-winning season in 2016, slashing .292/.385/.554 with 39 dingers and 102 RBI through 699 plate appearances, helping the Cubs win their first World Series since 1908 in the process.
He owns a lifetime slash line of .284/.385/.516.
Meanwhile, Contreras signed with Chicago as an amateur free agent back in 2009. He eventually made his major league debut in 2016, slashing .282/.357/.488 with 12 homers and 35 RBI over 283 trips to the plate.
The Venezuelan then had a strong first full season in 2017, slashing .276/.356/.499 with 21 home runs and 74 RBI before taking a bit of a step back in 2018, slashing .249/.339/.390 with 10 long balls and 54 RBI (although he oddly made his first All-Star appearance that year).
Contreras is coming off a 2019 campaign in which he slashed .272/.355/.533 with 24 dingers and 64 RBI, notching another All-Star selection.
The Cubs were a disappointment last season and ultimately let go of manager Joe Maddon, with former catcher David Ross taking over. Clearly, the front office is thinking about making some major changes, though it will likely take some sizable offers to pry these players away from Chicago:
Talking with someone close to #Cubs, sounds like 2 pitching prospects and a bat would get it done for Bryant. They're assuming he loses grievance & has 2 yrs left before free agency). #Braves match up better than other potential suitors if they're willing to part with prospects.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 11, 2019
Stay tuned.
