Chicago Cubs: Nationals reluctant to move Victor Robles in trade

Per a report, the Chicago Cubs requested Victor Robles from the Nationals in a Kris Bryant trade, but they are reluctant to move the 22-year-old.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Washington Nationals‘ attempt at finding a replacement for Anthony Rendon has been slowed because they are hesitant about moving Victor Robles. He also indicated that the Chicago Cubs have already requested Robles in Kris Bryant trade discussions, so it might just become a matter of how desperate they become.

Robles, 22, was ranked as the fifth-best prospect in baseball at the beginning of the 2019 season and saw 155 games in centerfield for the World Series Champions. He posted a respectable .766 OPS and is only going to get better. The Cubs would greatly benefit from the services of Robles in that he would likely fulfill their leadoff hitter needs as well.

Bryant awaits the results of his grievance hearing against the Cubs, which was filed back in 2015 but finally heard this offseason. In the unlikely event that he wins his case, Bryant will become a free agent after the 2020 season, which is probably why the Nationals are hesitant to part with one of their top young players.

Now, if Bryant were to become a free agent in 2021 as expected, the Nationals would have at least two seasons, but I would be inclined to believe that an extension would have to be agreed to before any trade is finalized. The Nationals have just two prospects ranked within the MLB’s Top 100, so without Robles, I would imagine that a trade package is not very attractive despite a couple of rotation arms in both Jackson Rutledge and Tim Cate likely coming over.

And as of Thursday morning, Josh Donaldson now has offers from the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals. Once he signs with a team, the Bryant trade rumors should take off with other potential organizations joining in on the sweepstakes in let’s say the Los Angeles Dodgers?

If Donaldson were to become Rendon’s replacement in the nation’s capital, the Dodgers would perhaps be the best fit for both Bryant and the Cubs’ needs, who could choose from five prospects ranked within the Top 100. The Dodgers also have the financial flexibility to sign Bryant to a long-term extension, as they are well under the luxury tax threshold for next season and 2021.