Would the Cubs dare move Kris Bryant?

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Theo Epstein set off shock waves recently when he indicated the Cubs would be willing to listen to trade offers for Kris Bryant.  To clarify, being willing to listen to trade offers and having a guy on the trading block are two different things.  The fact the Cubs are willing to listen to offers for Bryant only makes sense.  Epstein and the Cubs are looking forward, not backwards.  The key to Epstein’s decision making process is what helps the Cubs going forward.

Maybe Cubs fans shouldn't get too attached to Kris Bryant

The reality is the Cubs stand a good chance of losing Bryant to free agency after the 2021season.  Bryant is coming off a season that saw his production limited by injuries, most notably a shoulder injury.  The Cubs had disappointing years form a number of their young players in 2018.  Frankly, they looked like a team in need of a shakeup. Moving Bryant would certainly provide one.

Money does matter

Early in this free agency season the Cubs were thought to be a player in the Bryce Harper market, but that chatter has slowed down.  The Cubs currently are somewhat hamstrung by some bloated contacts.  Jason Heyward’s contract leaps to mind immediately.  Some Cubs seem to think the Cubs will throw money around indiscriminately.  That’s not the case.  Epstein will spend money, but not like the proverbial drunken sailor on leave.

Maybe Russell stays

Though it’s probably an unpopular idea, helping Addison Russell work through his issues and keeping him makes the most fiscal sense.  Russell is still one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball and has shown some offensive potential in the past.  He played like a guy in a fog last season.  If the fog lifts, Russell can still be a good player. The Cubs offense simply disappeared in the second half of the season.  If they focus on pitching and defense, playing Russell at short and locking Baez in at either second or third would probably stabilize things.

Is it Miller time?

Like the White Sox, the Cubs are looking for some bullpen help.  The highest profile free agent relievers are Craig Kimbrel and Andrew Miller.  A couple of years ago there were rumblings that the Cubs could have Andrew Miller for Kyle Schwarber .  The price tag on both of those guys has come down.  It might be the time for the Cubs make a play for Miller.

An alternative to Harper

If I was trying to improve the Cubs offense without signing Manny Machado or Bryce Harper, I’d make a run at A. J. Pollock and hamstring Joe Maddon by trading Schwarber or Ian Happ.  Versatility is a good thing, but it seems Maddon abuses it and limits young players’ growth by a lack of stability in batting orders and stability of defensive position.

Cubs aren't on autopilot

The Cubs look to be the class of the NL Central next season, but their championship window is closing faster than many Cubs fans may have suspected.  Theo Epstein is aware moves need to be made and will make them.