Chicago Cubs: How to replace a one-time MVP?
The last and most pressing issue for the Cubs in the midst of a 60 game season is this though: what are they going to do if this lingers and how do you replace a guy like Bryant in the lineup?
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So far, it hasn’t been all that pretty, but it seems the entire offense is in an extended slump with or without Bryant. Does this call for a trade to address this issue and the possibility Bryant may be out or affected for a much longer period of time than 10 days?
Internally, Bote and Nico Hoerner are the best options to man the hot corner, where they can both provide similar defense to Bryant. But, at the plate, both leave something to be desired, although they’re both patient and work good at bats. In the short term, internal works just fine; however, if Bryant is going to be less than 100 percent all year, normal circumstances might prompt the Cubs to target someone outside of the organization.
The problem with that is, who do you acquire and how much is it going to cost for a cash-strapped team who many assumed had to cut salary to get under the luxury tax threshold rather than adding big at the deadline?