Executives blast Cubs for Bryant, Contreras asking prices

Despite persistent trade rumors, it doesn't appear the Chicago Cubs will part ways with Kris Bryant anytime soon.

The Cubs have placed a high price tag on the former National League MVP but teams aren't biting, according to David Kaplan of NBC Sports Chicago.

"The Cubs' asking price for Bryant is a joke," a former general manager told Kaplan. "They want nearly ready major-league talent at the level of a Gleyber Torres type or close and there is no chance a team is going to give them a package of those caliber of players."

It's been a quiet offseason for the Cubs, who reportedly told free agents that they can't sign any major-league deals until they clear salary.

Bryant has come up as a possible trade asset due to his rising salary in arbitration, though his service-time grievance against the Cubs complicates matters. If his grievance is successful, the 28-year-old will reach free agency after this season instead of in two years' time.

The Washington Nationals, who have been reportedly connected to Bryant this winter and are an apparent finalist for fellow third baseman Josh Donaldson, are reluctant to include young outfielder Victor Robles in a package for Bryant, according to MLB.com's Jon Morosi.

"If they simply want to move Bryant's financial commitment for the next two years and get back some decent players then teams will be interested," a different executive told Kaplan. "But when you factor in what they want, what he will be owed (approximately $45 million over the next two seasons) and the fact that he has regressed as a player then they are in a really difficult position.

"I like Bryant but he is not a player that I would pay $30-plus million a year for. He and (agent) Scott Boras are going to want a massive deal and I would never commit to that type of commitment at this point in time."

The second executive also said the Cubs' asking price for All-Star catcher Willson Contreras, another player whose future in Chicago is clouded by salary concerns, is "obscene."

Bryant rebounded from his injury-filled 2018 season to slash .282/.382/.521 with 31 homers, 77 RBIs, and 108 runs scored for the Cubs last year. However, he struggled defensively both at third base and in the outfield.