Chicago Cubs: How Kris Bryant almost became a Toronto Blue Jay

Chicago Cubs: Trusting the process

As Bryant made his way to the University of San Diego, instead of signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Chicago Cubs were beginning to move their franchise in the right direction. From 2011 to 2013, when Bryant was drafted, the club was piecing together the next wave of prospects with three years’ worth of top-10 picks.

It was the beginning of the golden age for the Cubs. Theo Epstein was at the helm, leading the charge. In a piece from Chicago Cubs’ ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers, the decision for Epstein and the club to select Bryant swayed heavily in the fact that Mark Appel was heading to the Houston Astros as the top pick.

In the piece, according to Jason McLeod, the senior vice president of scouting and player development, it was between the big righty out of Oklahoma Jon Gray or Bryant.

"“We felt the best player for the Cubs long-term looking at those two players was Bryant.”"

Thank goodness for the logical voice stepping in to make the correct decision here.

Since joining the Cubs, Bryant has won the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year and 2016 National League Most Valuable Player, helped lead the Cubs to a long-awaited World Series title and has earned two All-Star selections.

Quite a number of accolades and accomplishments for a guy who has only been in the league four years. Bryant undoubtedly is one of the best offensive players in the game of baseball today. Cubs fans are certainly thankful for him – and that’s putting it mildly.