Cubs News: REPORT: Kris Bryant 'almost certain to be dealt' before trade deadline |
CHICAGO — The July 30 MLB trade deadline is looming, and the reeling Chicago Cubs, who have woefully gone 4-15 in their last 19 games, are expected to be sellers between now and then. Perhaps the most noteworthy Cub who could potentially be traded is third baseman Kris Bryant, and ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan considers Bryant "as good as gone" and cites his versatility — in terms of playing multiple positions — as an attribute that "makes him awfully attractive to a number of teams."
Passan wrote a comprehensive trade deadline preview, which was published on Tuesday, and Bryant is described in the article as "almost certain to get dealt." Set to be a free agent in the coming offseason, Bryant was rumored to be on the trading block this past offseason. With the North Siders not appearing to be playoff contenders, Passan expects Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to pull the trigger this time around and deal Bryant away. In recent years, a grievance battle over Bryant's service time and how it has affected has contract has cast a pall over the relationship between the 2016 National League MVP and the front office of the only MLB team he has ever played for. Now, with Bryant not viewed as a likely candidate to ink a new deal with the Cubs after his current one expires, the 29-year-old could very well be traded so that Hoyer can turn the page and begin preparing for the Cubs' next chapter.
