Steve Mitchell - USA Today Sports
Steve Mitchell - USA Today Sports

Cubs reportedly open to trading Kris Bryant


by - Senior Editor -

The Chicago Cubs are trying to figure out the best way to improve their ballclub this offseason for 2019 and beyond.

Cubs President of Operations Theo Epstein was asked during the Winter GM meetings about possible trade moves by his team and if leaders Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo were possible trade possibilities.

"We've never operated with untouchables," he said via ESPN's Buster Olney. "It sends the wrong message. Given what we're trying to accomplish, it would be virtually impossible to envision the deal that would make sense to move them. I just don't believe in untouchables. Why limit yourself?"

Olney went on to say that Bryant could possibly be traded soon if the price is right.

"But it's possible that the Cubs will trade him, perhaps as soon as this winter," he said in his latest article. "As part of their early offseason discussions, sources say, the Cubs have indicated to other teams they are willing to discuss trade proposals for almost all of the players on their roster, including Bryant, who struggled in 2018, batting .272 with 13 homers in 102 games. Bryant went on the disabled list twice with left shoulder trouble."

I really have no reason to believe Olney's speculation that Bryant likely could get traded even though Epstein didn't say he was untouchable. However, if the Cubs decide they can't afford or don't wanna pay $300 million for him in a long-term deal in a few years, they have to think about moving him to get full value now and not lose him for nothing down the road.

It will be interesting if this Bryant trade story gets more traction during the next few weeks. I think this is more about Bryant's agent Scott Boras and the frustrations the Cubs are having with him.

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