Early in the offseason, Ken Rosenthal was the first national writer to connect the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Chicago Cubs as a possible Kris Bryant trade partner. Since then, it hasn’t really picked up a lot of traction among other pundits, but Rosenthal is one of those guys where, when he speaks, we all listen.
And he’s not finished listing that connection.
Rosenthal was on MLB Network today to discuss the Dodgers’ offseason, and what lies ahead. He says the Dodgers still have a big move left in them, and spends a decent portion of his spiel reminding folks that Kris Bryant is still out there as a possible trade target:
Will the #Dodgers make a big move this offseason?@Ken_Rosenthal weighs in on #MLBNHotStove. pic.twitter.com/yT4GJOxVc6
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 6, 2020
Rosenthal expects the Cubs to become more active in trade talks on Bryant when the service time grievance is resolved (*crosses fingers for this week, is probably disappointed*). If that happens before the Dodgers make their “big move,” then I’m sure that the sides will at least see what’s up.
As we’ve discussed, ideally, the Dodgers would be involved in the Kris Bryant trade market, thanks to their quality farm system, young positional talent, and big-league-ready young pitching. No, you aren’t going to get second base stud Gavin Lux in a trade (and no, I don’t really see the Cubs all that interested in swapping two years of Bryant for two years of Corey Seager). But certainly pitchers like Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, and Josiah Gray would have to be in the talks, as well as infield prospect Jeter Downs, and outfielder Alex Verdugo. Keibert Ruiz is a highly-regarded catching prospect (and he’s behind Will Smith), though that’s probably not where the Cubs would prioritize their return.
The sum of that point: unlike a previously-rumored party like the Rangers or the Nationals, it’s not terribly difficult to imagine a realistic trade package that the Dodgers might part with and that might justify the Cubs pulling the trigger. If you believe the Cubs are going to very seriously consider trading Kris Bryant right now, then you want the Dodgers to be involved in those talks.