3 free agent position players the Chicago Cubs need to target

Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant coming back to the Chicago Cubs would actually be a really good idea.

When the Chicago Cubs traded Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants last July, it was met with a degree of closure. Bryant and the Cubs were always a marriage that was destined to end in divorce.

Even after Bryant won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2015 along with the 2016 National League MVP, it appeared that the third baseman was never on the same page with the front office. Bryant’s name surfaced in trade rumors every year after the Cubs won the World Series in 2016 and they finally reached fruition last season.

Bryant finished the 2021 season with a clip of .265/.353/.481/.835 to go along with 25 home runs and 73 RBIs. Looking beyond the offensive numbers from Bryant, the third baseman by trade showed his value defensively as he logged innings at every position besides catcher and pitcher last season.

Bryant is not going to receive the lucrative contract offer that he once was seeking. Early speculation was that Bryant would be seeking a contract offer north of $300 million. Bryant is still an excellent baseball player.

However, his track record with injuries and offensive profile likely will prevent him from receiving such a contract. Bryant should be priced back in range to where the Chicago Cubs can make a strong offer and that is an opportunity in which the team can not overlook.