Any takers?
Who might be interested in Bryant — and what might he fetch in return?
Kris Bryant’s throw to first base for the last out of the 2016 World Series seemed to take an eternity for Cubs fans. That’s how the Cubs — and potential trade partners — now feel as they wait for free-agent third baseman Josh Donaldson to sign and bring clarity to the Bryant situation.
Three seasons have passed since Bryant and the Cubs reached that zenith, and the team’s steady regression has forced the Cubs to consider dealing their star third baseman and greatest asset to address other needs.
Donaldson could sign a lucrative contract before Christmas, which would help determine which teams remain in the market for a top-flight veteran third baseman. Here’s a look at who might be interested in Bryant — and what they have to offer — if the Cubs decide to make a potentially franchise-altering trade.
Who needs an impact third baseman? The Nationals couldn’t retain postseason hero Anthony Rendon, who signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Angels. A Nationals source cooled reports of their interest in Bryant, but that was before Rendon signed.
The Braves are waiting to see if Josh Donaldson, an Alabama native, will re-sign with them.
“I texted (Donaldson) a couple times, and I would have anyway,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “You go through the season with a guy like that and what he did, and he grows on you. He’s a good man. He’s a bright player. I’m pulling for him no matter where he’s at.”
The Rangers and Dodgers could use upgrades at third, although they have internal options. And the Rangers might be inclined to pursue cheaper options in the midst of a rebuild with Bryant assured of only two more seasons of team control — or one if he wins his grievance over service time.
The Braves also have internal options in Austin Riley and Johan Camargo.
Who has young pitching to offer the Cubs? The Braves, who signed former Cubs left-hander Cole Hamels to a oneyear, $18 million contract, have a plethora of young, controllable starting pitching that would fulfill any deal involving Bryant.
Left-hander Max Fried, 25, was 17-6 with 173 strikeouts in 165 innings in 2019. Fried won’t be arbitration-eligible until 2022 and would give the Cubs security if veteran left-handers Jon Lester and Jose Quintana depart after 2020.
Right-hander Kyle Wright, 24, has struck out 267 in 267 1⁄3 minor-league innings but has walked 19 in 23 major-league innings.
Right-hander Bryse Wilson, 21, reached the majors at age 20 in 2018 and has a 96 mph fastball and sharp slider. But Wilson, a fourth-round pick in the 2016 draft, has walked 22 in 27 major-league innings and allowed five home runs in 20 innings with the Braves in 2019.
Left-hander Kyle Muller’s fastball has been clocked at 98 mph, and the 22-year-old has struck out 336 in 326 2⁄3 innings over four minor-league seasons.
The Dodgers, who reportedly are trying to acquire All-Star shortstop Francisco
Lindor from the Indians, have three pitching prospects below Walker Buehler status.
Right-hander Dustin May, 22, struck out 32 in 34 2⁄3 innings with the Dodgers in a swing role after striking out 110 in 106 2⁄3 innings at Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. The wiry May would fill the fifth spot in the Cubs rotation in 2020 with a strong chance to move up quickly.
Right-handers Josiah Gray and Mitchell White would help fill the current gulf between the Cubs’ major-league level and Class A, where top pitching prospect Brailyn Marquez currently resides with a chance to advance quickly, scouts say.
Gray, 21, struck out 147 in 130 innings with an 0.99 WHIP at Class A and Double A in 2019.
The Cubs scouted White, 24, at Santa Clara University after he underwent Tommy John surgery, but the Dodgers selected him in the second round of the 2016 draft.
After some struggles, White regained his mid- to high-90s velocity and struck out 105 in 93 2⁄3 innings at Tulsa and Oklahoma City in 2019.
Who can help the Cubs replace Kris Bryant at third? The Braves’ Austin Riley, 22, could be a long-term replacement. Riley also can play first base and the corner outfield spots.
Riley hit 18 home runs and drove in 49 runs in 2019, but he struck out 108 times in 274 at-bats with a .226 batting average and .279 on-base percentage.
“We love Austin Riley,” manager Brian Snitker said. “I love Austin Riley. His upside is huge. We saw what he can do.
“But he’s a young player, and we know in this league you don’t surprise anybody for very long in the game anymore, and he’s going to have to make adjustments, as they all do. Everybody has to at some point in time. He’s very capable of that.
“We’re very confident in his abilities, his aptitude, everything. The work ethic, everything he’s got going on, and we look at him to be a special player for us at some point in time.”
Wild-card considerations: If the Cubs seek two pitchers and a position prospect from the Dodgers, they could inquire about middle infielder Gavin Lux. But Lux, who hit two home runs off Cubs prospect Adbert Alzolay in a Triple-A game July 27, has six seasons of team control, which makes it highly unlikely the Dodgers would trade him.
If the Cubs seek solely pitching in any Bryant deal, they could pursue free agent Todd Frazier as a temporary solution at third. A former National League general manager envisioned Frazier being a perfect fit at Wrigley Field, and the 33-year-old likely would be amenable to a short-term deal.
If the Cubs settle on exclusively younger pitching prospects in a Bryant deal that frees up considerable money, they could look to a lower-tier free-agent market that includes left-hander Wade Miley, who was 19-8 with a 3.52 ERA with the Brewers and Astros over the last two seasons and has a 2.51 ERA against the NL Central during that span.
If the Cubs seek a bigger package for someone other than Bryant, Padres general manager A.J. Preller is a big fan of Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish from their days with the Rangers. But Darvish’s current value to the Cubs, his controlled cost for the next four seasons and the Cubs’ projected demands would make a deal highly unlikely.