Cubs: 3 trade packages involving Kris Bryant

1. Atlanta Braves

Given Josh Donaldson‘s age and contract situation heading into this offseason, the Braves would appear to be one of the best fits for Kris Bryant in a trade. They also happen to have a loaded farm system that the Cubs could pick and choose from. While the Braves have already stated that they plan to try to re-sign Donaldson, he’ll be turning 34-years-old and will be entering the twilight of his career. That doesn’t discount his incredible 2019 season but who knows when the other shoe is going to drop.

Any trade acquiring Bryant would likely net the team’s number one prospect. Cristian Pache was part of the 2015 international free agent signing period and produced a 0.277/0.340/0.462 line with 36 doubles, 9 triples, 12 home runs, and 61 RBI between Double-A and Triple-A last season. He finished out the final 26 games of his season at AAA and is expected to be ready next season. Pache has played all over the outfield but appears to be a natural centerfielder, which happens to be a need for the Cubs.

For a team that desperately needs pitching, I have the Cubs acquiring both Ian Anderson and Kyle Muller. Anderson was the team’s third overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft and played most of the 2019 season at Double-A, with his final five starts coming at the Triple-A level. In the larger sample size, Anderson had a terrific 11.92 K/9 in 111.0 innings of work while striking out 147 batters but allowed 47 free passes. Still, he allowed just 13 home runs in 26 starts split between both levels and should be ready to make his big league debut in 2020.

With Jon Lester also in the twilight of his career, Kyle Muller would figure to become the lefty of the future in the rotation. He projects to be ready next year at some point but spent all of 2019 in Double-A. In 22 starts, Muller tossed 111.2 innings with a 9.67 K/9 and 120 strikeouts. He allowed the most walks-per-nine-innings last season at 5.48 but his track record has proven that he’s not that guy. His fastball tops out near 96 mph on a good day and isn’t afraid to attack hitters.

This trade package, obviously, wouldn’t address the void left by Bryant at third base but the Braves don’t have a third baseman immediately within the pipeline that the Cubs could pluck hence why they are trying to re-sign Donaldson.