Chicago Cubs could make waves by trading Kris Bryant to the Dodgers

The Chicago Cubs could address multiple problems at once by trading Kris Bryant to the rival Los Angeles Dodgers before the offseason concludes.

At some point, likely sooner rather than later, we’ll have an actual answer regarding Kris Bryant‘s service time grievance. As we noted yesterday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic made it clear that no one in the industry expects Bryant to come out on top and that news could come as soon as this week.

Assuming that is the case, the Cubs and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein can, at long last, embark on a quest to trade the former National League MVP – knowing his true value. Chicago’s asking price will be higher knowing they’re dealing two years of team control rather than one – although finding a suitor willing to meet such a price could be challenging.

One club that could (rather easily) meet such steep demands, however, is the Los Angeles Dodgers. A perennial World Series favorite, they’re ripe with some of the best prospects in the game and have a payroll that’s well under the competitive balance tax threshold.

In the same Rosenthal piece that suggests Bryant is likely to lose his grievance, he notes the fit between the player and Los Angeles, a team that may be just one piece away from bringing a title back to Chavez Ravine for the first time since 1989.

Chicago Cubs: Here’s why Bryant to Los Angeles makes sense

So before we dive into this, here’s what Rosenthal had to say about such a move:

Bryant, with his ability to play third, first and both corner-outfield positions, seems ideal for the Dodgers, who relish such versatility. His right-handed bat also would fit the team’s predominantly left-handed lineup. The Cubs’ ask, though, would not be inconsequential. Nor would the finances, with Bryant projecting to make at least $40 million over the next two years.

Let’s break it down. First, Bryant slotted in the middle of the Dodgers order? Goodness. We’re talking about a squad that already boasts reigning NL MVP Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Will Smith, Justin Turner and Corey Seager. That’s not to mention some of the team’s up-and-coming positional talent, including the likes of Alex Verdugo, Gavin Lux and Keibert Ruiz.

If the season were to begin today, Turner would hold down the hot corner for manager Dave Roberts. Suppose the Dodgers pull off a trade for Bryant. He could play third – while Turner shifts over to first. Or, Bryant could move to a corner outfield spot – something he did quite a bit for Joe Maddon.

All that being said, acquiring Bryant won’t come cheap. Here are a few guys Epstein will undoubtedly target in any talks with Los Angeles.