Report: Cubs open to dealing Kris Bryant
The 2016 National League MVP could reportedly be on the market.
The Chicago Cubs have indicated to other clubs that they're willing to discuss trades for nearly every player on their roster, including two-time All-Star Kris Bryant, sources told Buster Olney of ESPN.
Bryant, a third baseman who's under club control through the 2021 season, struggled in 2018 while playing in a career-low 102 games, hitting .272/.374/.460. His issues at the plate could be partially attributed to the sore shoulder that affected his swing and saw him land on the disabled list twice.
The Cubs reportedly have financial limitations that may impact their offseason plans and could even take them out of the running for the biggest free agents.
The 26-year-old Bryant earned $10.85 million in 2018 and is projected to make $12.4 million in arbitration next year, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Meanwhile, past efforts to reach a long-term deal have fallen through. The Cubs reportedly approached Bryant about a contract extension worth north of $200 million this year, which he turned down.
Javier Baez and Kyle Hendricks are also poised to receive substantial raises in arbitration this winter, while Yu Darvish is on the books through 2023 on a six-year, $126-million deal.
Bryant enjoyed his best season in 2016, when he was named MVP and made the final defensive play to clinch the World Series title for Chicago.