Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant sounds like he’s ready to be a Giant for life

If you’re looking for one more game to take in before the season ends, you might want to circle the weekend of Sept. 10-12, when the San Francisco Giants come to town – and longtime Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant returns to the Friendly Confines for the first time since the trade deadline last month.

Bryant has been scorching hot with his new ballclub, batting .321/.377/.571 in 15 games, adding further depth to an already-impressive San Francisco lineup while displaying his signature defensive versatility. He looks more comfortable and at ease than he has in years in Chicago, and you can’t help but be happy for him and his family.

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I’d put the Giants at the top of the list of teams who will look to sign the former NL MVP to a long-term deal this winter – that is, if they even let it get that far and don’t lock him up before season’s end. And, based on Bryant’s recent comments, the interest is very much mutual.

“I know it’s all super new to me,” Bryant told NBC Sports, “the whole being here and playing with these guys, but there’s just something that feels a little different about it. It feels right. They’re just really good people. They put their head down, they go to work, they’re not flashy, and I kind of see myself as that type of player, too.”

San Francisco has shocked the reigning World Series champion Dodgers and fellow NL West foe Padres this year, seemingly coming from out of nowhere to dominate the division and emerge as baseball’s best team.

Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants profile very differently in terms of vibes

Bryant’s definitely right in his assessment that San Francisco is an organization made up of consummate professionals. There’s nothing flashy about the Evan Longoria, Brandon Belt and Buster Posey’s of the world – but they put their head down every time they hit the field and get the job done.

“And I think that’s kind of what the Giants organization is all about. They want guys that are good people that go to work, keep their head down. Like I said, we’re not flashy, we go out there and do the job and win and move on to the next one, and that’s a good feeling.”

During his time in Chicago, guys like Javier Baez definitely brought a swagger and energy to the team – and, by and large, the Cubs had that same type of energy. But with it came intense pressure and, just maybe, Bryant felt like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole with more time. In San Francisco, it’s not about personalities or flashiness: it’s about winning ballgames.