The Chicago Cubs are at a crossroads when it comes to the future of their organization. At least eight players are set to be free agents once the season comes to an end, including several key parts of the organization.
Those three players are the ones that Cubs fans are more interested in. Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo have all played key parts in the Cubs success over the past few years. However, it seems likely that they are entering their last year together.
Chicago Cubs chances of extending Big Three free agents
That does not mean that all is lost. The Cubs could look to extend each of those three players, although it is a matter of how receptive they would be to such overtures. Baez, for example, has made it known that he wants to stay in Chicago, but do the Cubs want to keep him moving forward?
Let’s take a look at how likely it is for the Chicago Cubs to retain their top free agents after this season.
Chicago Cubs odds of keeping Kris Bryant – 10%
Even if the Chicago Cubs want to keep Kris Bryant, there is no guarantee that he wants to be a part of the organization beyond this year.
The Cubs certainly did not do themselves any favors when it comes to Bryant’s impending free agency. They manipulated his service clock to earn an extra year of team control, something that he filed a grievance regarding. He has also been the subject of trade rumors over each of the past two offseasons which may further that divide.
With Scott Boras as his agent, and that dubious history between the team and Bryant, he will want top dollar. The Cubs may even need to pay more to retain his services given their manipulation of his service time and how they pushed back his free agent clock. It is not likely that the two sides will bargain in good faith.
However, Bryant did struggle in 2020. He posted a disappointing .206/.293/.351 batting line in his 147 plate appearances, hitting just four homers and five doubles. While he should bounce back, it is possible that Bryant would consider the guaranteed payday provided the Cubs dangle enough money.
That seems unlikely to happen. While there may be a slight chance, the odds are that Kris Bryant is in the midst of his last season as a member of the Chicago Cubs.