Rogers: Cubs WILL Send Bryant to the Braves – Rizzo Also Named
A host of ESPN writers talked about potential moves to happen during the Winter Meetings in San Diego this week. While they discussed the likes of Anthony Rendon and Gerrit Cole signings, all of the seemed to believe the Cubs will make a huge splash, trading one (or more) of their stars.
Within this, two writers believed Kris Bryant would be dealt to the Atlanta Braves for LHP Max Fried and a slew of top prospects. We have heard a ton of rumors on the Cubs, and my personal opinion has always been where there’s this much smoke there is eventually fire. With ESPN Chicago’s Jesse Rogers adding more smoke, it seems that there is a huge opportunity for fire.
The Braves make the most sense, but I do think they will need to wait for the current third baseman free agents to sign. I don’t think the Braves have more resources after making a plethora of signings already – so filling their hole at third via a trade makes sense.
The return also makes sense for the Cubs. They need controllable starting pitching and Fried, a lefty starter, fills that need. He has mid-90’s stuff, has just completed his first full season, doesn’t give up many homers or walks, and strikes out 9.5 hitters per nine. He has a devastating curve, which comes in around 20 MPH slower than his FB and is hidden pretty well in his delivery.
Coincidently, Anthony Rizzo was also mentioned as a probable trade piece.
I’m not crazy about a trade of Rizzo, especially since new manager David Ross will certainly need leadership in the clubhouse. But this is now the second time a writer from ESPN brings his name up. The first was Jeff Passan, and now Alden Gonzales, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat writer.
I do think the Cubs will make *a* move, and I believe it will likely be something involving either Willson Contreras or Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber won’t net the return Bryant, Rizzo, or even Contreras can bring, but he’s likely the most tradable piece that allows the Cubs to remain competitive. Moving Schwarber would free up salary (estimated $8 million in 2020) and can return several prospects. They might not land a “Fried” level player, but that payroll that is opened up can help the Cubs land someone like Dallas Keuchel, like Bruce Levine suggests.
This year’s Winter Meetings will likely build ulcers in many fans that can’t handle the hot stove. If you are squeamish, I’d certainly stay off the interwebs these next few weeks.
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