Chicago Cubs: David Ross addresses Kris Bryant trade rumors

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross addressed the trade rumors surrounding third baseman Kris Bryant on Thursday while speaking with reporters.

With the Chicago Cubs Convention this weekend, Cubs’ manager David Ross gathered with reporters to discuss the team’s upcoming season.

There was no bigger topic for Ross to address than the future of third baseman Kris Bryant. Bryant has been in the middle of the Cubs’ off-season plans considering the pending ruling on his grievance over his Major League Baseball service time and the trade rumors that have followed him throughout the winter.

The Cubs have seemingly been waiting for two shoes to drop in regards to a potential trade of Bryant. The first being for the third baseman market to develop and the second being the ruling on whether Bryant is under team control for one more season or two more seasons.

After free-agent third baseman Josh Donaldson signed with the Minnesota Twins earlier this week, the focus shifted to Bryant and Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado as both third basemen may be available via trade.

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Ross, however, does not envision the Cubs trading Bryant. Here was what Ross had to say while speaking with a group of reporters that included Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

"“With how things stand right now coming into camp, KB’s on the roster,” Ross said at. “I expect him to be there. I think the fans should expect him to be there. This is an exciting time to be a Cubs manager. There’s a lot of talent. There’s no ceiling for this team.”"

Realistically, there was nothing else that Ross could have said. Kris Bryant is a current member of the Chicago Cubs’ roster. As long as Bryant is on the Cubs’ roster, the expectation is that the third baseman will be with the team when they begin Spring Training next month.

On the eve of the convention, Ross is not going to admit that there may be a strong chance that Bryant does not start the season with the Cubs. Especially when you consider the fact that Bryant has already been announced to appear at this weekend’s festivities.

Ross’ comments and Bryant’s scheduled appearance, however, did not prevent trade rumors from resurfacing on Thursday.

While doing a radio hit with The Waddle and Silvy Show on ESPN 1000 this afternoon, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reported that the Atlanta Braves have re-engaged in Bryant trade discussions with the Cubs.

The Braves have always made the most sense for the Cubs in the event that they opted to trade Bryant. That sentiment holds true especially now after Donaldson signed with the Twins. Prior to the Donaldson signing, the Braves had the expectation of re-signing the veteran third baseman. Now, the Braves have a hole at the third base position and Bryant may make the most sense.

The Braves have a plethora of Major League-ready pitchers and position players that would satisfy the Cubs’ steep asking price for Bryant. In fact, earlier reports from this off-season would suggest that the Cubs would prefer to trade Bryant to Braves. The Cubs reportedly have their eye on Ian Anderson, Austin Riley, Drew Waters, and Kyle Wright.

The Chicago Cubs did not have to cheat like the Houston Astros. dark. Next

We will probably have an answer to Bryant’s future within the next month. The third base market has developed and the grievance ruling is expected soon. After the ruling is finalized, the Cubs may also finalize a trade of Bryant to the Braves. Meaning, when Bryant takes the stage at the Cubs’ convention this weekend, it could very well be the last time he dons a Cubs’ jersey.

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