Non-tendering Kris Freaking Bryant was a dumb rumor, but it was a rumor nonetheless. Today we learn for sure that the rumor was just that as the Chicago Cubs announced that they have tendered Bryant a contract for the 2021 season. Per MLBTR, he is expected to earn $18.6m, which will be taken care of at a later date.
Kris Bryant will be tendered tonight. #cubs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 3, 2020
The contract should not have been surprising. This was going to happen regardless. A team does not non-tender a talent like Kris Bryant. I realize there’s an idiotic group of Cubs fans that want him gone at all costs (they’re idiots btw) but you don’t do that even if you do not intend on going into 2021 with him on the roster.
Now we wait and see if the Cubs elect to trade him this winter or go into the season with Bryant on the club. If it were up to me, they keep him, sign him to a long-term deal, and let the rest of the roster work itself out. But I don’t make the decisions at 1060 W Addison.