Infield Solutions – Padres Could Trade with Cubs

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kris Bryant

Bryant’s Basics:

Position – 3B

Bats R, Throws R

2015 Opening Day Age – 23

Size – 6’5” 215lbs.

The 2013 Golden Spikes Award winner is Jonathan Mayo’s number one prospect in the Cubs system and his highest ranked third base prospect.  Bryant is a pretty good fielder and has a strong arm.  What is more fun to discuss, though, is his offense.  Between AA and AAA, he hit a mind-boggling .325/.438/.661/1.098.  His ability to draw walks is just great.  To put that into perspective, Andrew McCutchen led baseball with a .410 OBP and José Abreu finished with a MLB-leading .581 slugging percentage.  Essentially, Bryant logged a Lou Gehrig-like season.  Yes, it was in the minors.  Yes, his numbers will fall off in the major leagues, at least in the beginning.  But I just seek to put those numbers into perspective.  However, his numbers did not fall off much after being promoted to AAA, as in he still would have led MLB in OBP and slugging.  It is always a good indication when a guy hits consistently at every level, which Bryant has done.

The problem with Kris Bryant is that he’s likely untouchable.  Not even trading Tyson Ross or another pitcher along with the outfielder the Cubs so desperately need and/or a catcher might not be enough, where it might be enough to get one of the two previous prospects or the next one.