Chicago Cubs: What would a Kris Bryant trade look like?
By Ryan Sanders
Atlanta has the need at third and the prospect capital to make this deal happen. If they were to acquire Kris Bryant, they would become stronger favorites in the NL East and possibly the entire National League. Bryant and the player previously blocked by Josh Donaldson, Austin Riley, could arrange some sort of tandem where they switch off between LF and 3B to further develop Riley’s skills at the hot corner.
With all the prospects the Braves have, a deal could take shape in multiple ways.
Braves Get
- 3B Kris Bryant – $44M Surplus Value
Cubs Get
- CF Drew Waters – 55 FV – $46M FV OR Austin Riley – 55 FV – $46M FV
Both of these deals lines up almost perfectly in terms of value going back and forth. The Chicago Cubs get a potential stud CF who is already in AAA as a 20-year-old. Waters torched AA to the tune of a 144 wRC+ and provides a strong arm, speed, and range to patrol CF. The combination of Almora and Heyward would suffice in CF while Waters gets more seasoning. Come September though, it could be time to turn the reigns over to Waters.
The second iteration of this deal nets the Cubs heralded prospect Austin Riley who lit the MLB up before he was figured out by pitching. Riley is only 22 and performed at every level of the minors. This deal would be a more realistic 1 for 1 than for the Nats Kieboom and would give the Cubs a natural 3B/OF replacement.
The Braves get their replacement for Josh Donaldson and add Bryant to a lineup with Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, and other studs. If the Cubs are interested in multiple pieces instead of a 1 for 1, they could pursue something like this.
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Braves Get
- 3B Kris Bryant – $44M Surplus Value
Cubs Get
- RHP Ian Anderson – 55 FV – $34M FV OR RHP Bryse Wilson – 55FV – $34M
- LHP Kyle Muller – 45+ FV – $6M FV
- C William Contreras – 50 FV – $28M FV
- SS/3B Johan Camargo – 3 Years of Control
This last deal includes an MLB ready pitcher in Bryce Wilson or near ready in Ian Anderson and would address the Chicago Cubs need for pitching.
Kyle Muller is a left-handed pitching prospect with upside who could be in the rotation next year. Johan Camargo would serve as stop-gap until the Cubs can find a new 3B. Camargo turned in a 3.3 win season in 2018 but scuffled heavily in 2019. William is the brother of current Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. While his inclusion tips the value balance significantly in the Cubs favor, the Braves could be willing to part with him after a down 2019 season and other catchers ready to pass over the younger Contreras. This deal would replenish the talent pipeline for the Cubs and give them a replacement with upside in Camargo.
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Will Kris Bryant be traded? The Chicago Cubs seem interested in trading him but I would always bet against a superstar being traded since the price of the acquisition is prohibitive for one team. If it does happen these two teams would be odds on favorite to land him. Bryant is a difference maker and those don’t come cheap. Once his hearing is resolved, we’ll find out how motivated the Cubs are to move him and teams are to acquire him.