(670 The Score) While Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant continues to land in trade speculation, powerful agent Scott Boras made it sound like Bryant won’t be moved this offseason.
“The Cubs obviously know KB very well,” Boras said of one of his highest-profile clients. “And Jed Hoyer knows him very well. They have great plans for him. We’ve talked to him about what his role will be, a very important role going forward in 2021. He is a huge core of the team.”
The location that could be changing for Bryant ahead of the 2021 season might be his position on the diamond rather than his home city. The Cubs have just two outfielders on their 40-man roster after non-tendering Kyle Schwarber earlier this offseason, and infielder David Bote could fill the void at third base if Bryant played left field more often.
Bryant, who turns 29 in January, had a nightmare 2020 season, hitting .206 with four homers, 11 RBIs and a .644 OPS in 34 games. He dealt with various ailments, including a wrist injury. Bryant is a three-time All-Star who won the National League MVP award in 2016. He hit 31 homers and posted a .903 OPS in 147 games in 2019.
Bryant had a meeting with his representation recently, and he’s preparing and expecting to be a Cub in 2021, Boras said. Of course, just because Bryant starts the season in Chicago doesn’t mean he finishes it there. He could also be dealt midseason before the trade deadline.
“When you see him go forward and play a normal season and do the things that he does, obviously he will be an attractive commodity for a franchise to retain,” Boras said.
Bryant has one year left on his contract, then is set to hit free agency after the 2021 season. Bryant and the Cubs have had discussions about a long-term extension over the years, but nothing has come to fruition. It’s now the responsibility of new Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to decide Bryant’s future after Theo Epstein left the organization.
“We have been through a lot in 2020,” Boras said. "We understand that we are going to play a season. And that question (of where Bryant ends up) will likely be very clearly addressed at the end of 2021. We will know more of what Jed wants to do and also about the continue of Kris Bryant’s excellence in a baseball uniform.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.