Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant-caliber players don’t grow on trees

It’s hard to envision a scenario where the Chicago Cubs get what they see as fair value for Kris Bryant in a trade – and that makes sense given his skills.

Until the ongoing grievance between Kris Bryant and the Chicago Cubs concludes, there’s little chance the team will be able to trade their former MVP – and his projected $18.5 million arbitration salary.

Even when that finally comes to a head and the picture surrounding Bryant becomes clearer, putting together a deal isn’t going to be easy. Is the third baseman the guy who led the Cubs to a World Series title and four consecutive postseason runs or is he now perceived as can oft-injured piece around the league?

After limping through an injury-plagued 2018 campaign in which he appeared in only 102 games while playing through a nagging shoulder injury, Bryant bounced back last year. He saw his power stroke return, evidenced by a .521 slugging percentage and the second 30+ homer, 30+ double campaign of his career.

There are those who believe Bryant is overrated. They base that opinion on his low RBI totals, despite the fact it’s a single-dimensional way to evaluate a player’s offensive prowess. If you’re Chicago, you know what you have in your former first-rounder, though. It’s time to get down to brass tacks on why it’ll be difficult to trade him and get a fair return.