Chicago Cubs could lose Kris Bryant after the 2020 season

Chicago Cubs: Could this be the last time you see Bryant in a Cubs uniform?

If Bryant should win his grievance against the Cubs (which by most accounts seems unlikely), the Cubs and other teams would be forced to reconsider past and current strategies used to manipulate the service time on young and promising players like Bryant or this year’s example, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Bryant, who under current conditions, will be under team control for two more seasons, could find himself a free agent after this coming 2020 season if his side is able to prove the Cubs held him back solely to gain an extra year of team control.

While we all know this is exactly what the Cubs and other teams have done in the past, the MLBPA and the players themselves are to blame for the language in their current collective bargaining agreement. It’s likely to be one of the sticking points going forward – especially if Bryant doesn’t win his case.

In terms of impact on Bryant and the Cubs if Bryant wins, it’s pretty simple.

If Bryant wins his case, he would stand to gain another year of money-making control and power. He would gain a year of his prime as a free agent, making an eight or 10-year mega deal even more of a probability for the slugger.

As one of the best all-around players in the game, the former NL MVP would no doubt command upwards of $250 million if unleashed on the open market in the fall of 2020. Whether it’s a new contract with the Cubs or some other suitor in free agency, Bryant would be a huge winner if the case goes his way.

Chicago Cubs: Could this be the last year of Bryzzo?

If your main concern is not about Bryant, but about the Cubs, a grievance loss in the Bryant case could force the Cubs’ hand into trading the superstar. Despite how the move might go over with some fans, it might be necessary to get what they can for one year of Bryant in a trade if they feel they can’t extend him for a price they’re comfortable with.

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This could have an enormous effect on not just the 2021 Cubs, but even next year’s squad. If Bryant is moved, the return for the third baseman could bring back prospects or several major league ready players who the Cubs could then deploy in different ways.

While they would be losing a perennial All-Star, it’s possible the return could help them in the future when Bryant would have been gone anyhow.

The team could also decide to go into 2020 with Bryant as their regular third baseman with the intention to deal him at the trade deadline to the highest bidder.

Chicago could do this even if they’re in contention depending on what pieces they would get back in an attempt to maximize leverage and play interested teams off one another. If the Cubs went after infielders like Anthony Rendon in free agency or Francisco Lindor via trade this offseason, that might be a not-so-subtle indication that the club is willing to shop Bryant either during the offseason or during the summer.

If the Cubs decide they want to keep their homegrown slugger around for another decade, it’s also possible the outcome of the grievance could push them toward a contract extension with renewed vigor. If Bryant truly wants to stick around the Friendly Confines for the foreseeable future (or the rest of his career), he might be willing to work with the Cubs on a deal that keeps him happy, comfortable, and beloved by a fanbase who makes gods of their favorite ballplayers.

No matter what happens with the grievance process, expect the younger and better-looking half of the Bryzzo tandem to help keep the Cubs successful in 2020 – either as a bat in the middle of the lineup or a blockbuster trade chip.