NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 29: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the New York Mets during a game at Citi Field on August 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The Cubs have a specific starting point in mind for any Kris Bryant trade talks.
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly considering signing core players like Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo to contract extensions. However, the Kris Bryant trade talks continue to swirl and if he is moved the Cubs are going to want to do it soon to maximize the return.
We know that a Bryant trade would give the Cubs an impressive haul of prospects. So what is the starting point in talks? One report has made it clear what the team is seeking.
Cubs want a top catcher
This report specifically focuses on the team wanting the New York Mets’ top catching prospect. But it does reveal the top want in Chicago and could signal a desire to trade Willson Contreras soon.
Teenager Francisco Alvarez is near the top of the Mets’ farm system and is the top catcher. He signed as an international prospect in 2018 and made his professional debut as a 17-year-old in rookie ball.
A Bryant trade would mean more than just Alvarez in return. He is ranked No. 2 overall in the Mets system and would end up being the centerpiece in a much larger deal that would allow the Cubs to rebuild while still maintaining most of their core.
Contreras is 28 years old and is set to be a free agent in 2023. We may be having his trade discussion next offseason if the Cubs get their wish and land a top catching prospect.
Fans are hoping a true rebuild does not take place because if the front office really wanted to stock the system, trading Baez and Rizzo in addition to Bryant would accomplish that goal. The potential backlash may be too much and for now fans can simply focus on a Bryant deal and how it could help the team both now and in the future.