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Chicago Cubs: Could this be Kris Bryant’s last year as a Cub?
Could the Chicago Cubs move on from third baseman Kris Bryant following the 2019 season? If this upcoming season fails to result in playoff success, it’s possible the North Siders could look to cash in on the former MVP.
Several months ago there were reports saying Chicago Cubs two-time all-star Kris Bryant turned down a contract extension worth more than $200 million. Whether or not these reports were true, the Cubs have apparently tried to sign him long term but it seems the slugging third baseman will take himself all the way to free agency following the 2021 season.
Bryant had a down year in 2018, slashing .272/.374/.460 with a career-low 13 home runs and 52 RBI. Injuries to his left shoulder and multiple trips to the disabled list caused Bryant to be held to 102 games, also a career-low.
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With three years left of control and questions as to whether they can keep him long-term, it’s possible this will be the Las Vegas native’s final year at Wrigley. Would the Cubs consider moving on from Bryant if the upcoming season fails to result in a return to the World Series?
Kris Bryant’s Cubs career started a new chapter in team history. They reached the NLCS in each of his first three seasons and, of course, won it all in 2016.
Back when Bryant made his Major League debut on April 17, 2015, there was controversy surrounding the Cubs apparent manipulation of his service time.
Despite an impressive spring training performance, the Cubs kept Bryant at Triple-A to start the major league season, allowing them to gain an additional year of control.
Today I got to tell my family that my dream is coming true. Can't really put into words what that feels like. So excited for this journey!
— Kris Bryant (@KrisBryant_23) April 17, 2015
When you consider Epstein’s recent comments about no players being untouchable, you could start to envision a scenario where the Cubs cash in on their superstar if the 2019 season doesn’t go the way they hope.
Chicago Cubs: What would lead them to consider trading Bryant?
Imagine a scenario where the Cubs are unable to win the vastly improved NL Central in 2018 and are forced to fight for a Wild Card spot. The Brewers showed last year they have arrived. The Cardinals are improved and the Braves and Nationals have already taken steps forward with the offseason still in its early stages. A playoff appearance is not the certainty it has been for the Cubs in recent years.
Let’s say Bryant has the year Steamer projects him to have, hitting .274/.382/.503 with 29 home runs, 99 RBI and a 5.8 WAR. Envision Bryant reestablishing himself as an offensive threat, but the Cubs are unable to reach the postseason or fail to win a playoff series.
More from Cubbies Crib
- MLB Pipeline ranks Pete Crow-Armstrong as Cubs top prospect
- Cubs betting heavily that arms can carry them to their next championship
- 3 roster battles the Cubs will answer by the end of this season
- Cubs have a new late-inning shutdown arm in young Brandon Hughes
- After the Cubs traded him, Mychal Givens has been a hot mess for the Mets
Looking ahead to the 2019 offseason, the Cubbies might look to remake their roster in big ways. Perhaps the Mets underachieve (again) and the Cubs have the opportunity to add Jacob deGrom or Noah Syndergaard in a Bryant trade. There are many teams that would be interested in two years of a healthy Kris Bryant.
Could the Cubs move Bryant when he’s at maximum value?
Ponder the likeliness that Bryant’s defense will eventually force a move to the outfield, making him less valuable to the Cubs. Epstein and Hoyer could look ahead and conclude that a power-hitting outfielder with a history of shoulder injuries and no designated hitter to fall back on might not be worth a $30 million annual investment into his thirties.
What if the Cubs see Nolan Arenado as a replacement for Bryant since the Colorado third baseman will reach free agency as a 28-year-old following the 2019 season? With six Gold Gloves to his credit, the Cubs could see him as a better long-term investment than Bryant.
Another scenario, though far-fetched, would see Bryce Harper sign with the White Sox, which would stoke rumors that Bryant and his long-time friend, in fact, did intend to play in Chicago together, but on the South Side. Think Cub fans would boo them when they came to Wrigley?
But we’re talking about Kris Bryant
Bryant was well on his way to becoming the new Mr. Cub after winning Rookie of the Year in 2015 followed by the MVP and a World Championship in 2016. The tide started to turn after his .200 showing in the 2017 postseason with only one home run, followed by his 2018 struggles. The shocking result was some fans pining to give David Bote a chance to be the regular third baseman.
https://twitter.com/MissyKeriBaby/status/1022617106385235968
This past year both Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo topped Bryant on the most popular jersey list, though Bryant was not far behind. In the end, it all comes down to winning, and if the Cubs fail to return to the World Series for the third straight year fans will accept the team making big moves if they think it will help them win.
Lester showing the ability to age well. dark. Next
Theo will trade superstars as his legendary deal that sent Nomar Garciaparra to Chicago proves, but he has seemed passionate about retaining the Cubs core of Anthony Rizzo, Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Baez. Cubs fans should continue to trust the process and hope the team can return to form in 2019 and put fears of a significant roster shake-up behind them.