Examining Atlanta Braves, Kris Bryant Rumors

With no Josh Donaldson news coming out over the holiday week, the Atlanta Braves links to Kris Bryant have been making news once again. A rumor came out today, while unsubstantiated, shouldn’t be ignored.

Paul Crane, an employee with 929.9 The Game in Atlanta, said he’s been told by an “Atlanta source” that the Cubs have told the Braves they want in exchange for Kris Bryant. From the Braves, the Cubs want three out of these four players, Ian Anderson, Drew Waters, Austin Riley, or Kyle Wright. While this package is unconfirmed, the price the Cubs are asking the Braves to pay is high, even exorbitant.

Once the possibility of Kris Bryant being traded was floated, all of baseball knew the asking price would be high for the former NL MVP. It’s not just about the asking price when it comes to Bryant, however. Bryant is still due 23 million dollars each of the next two seasons, plus whatever the Braves would have to sign Bryant to a long-term deal when the time comes for that. The asking price is much too high.

However, some fans would argue there is no price high enough when it comes to obtaining a generational talent like Kris Bryant. The Braves have a gaping hole in the middle of the lineup that would fit Bryant perfectly. The move would provide the Braves with the kind of offense a team would need to make a deep postseason run. With the Braves so loaded with talent in the minor leagues, some would say that this kind of move is why you stockpile so much talent. Your feeling on this rumored asking price all depends on how you choose to view baseball and the assets teams collect.

All of this Kris Bryant news can be put to rest if the Braves pony up that extra year for Josh Donaldson. No prospects or major leaguers will be plucked from this team if Donaldson chooses to sign with the Braves. With no news coming for this entire week, it makes me believe Josh Donaldson wants to return to the Braves. And Donaldson not being a National or Twin yet makes me think the Braves are still trying to make this work with Josh. Only time will tell when it comes to the Josh Donaldson sweepstakes.

Kris Bryant feels like the second choice for this Braves team. Donaldson is the first choice for the Braves and fans. Bryant would be warmly received, without a doubt, but the Braves will have to pay extra if they choose to miss out on Donaldson. Now, the Braves know the price to obtain Bryant. Let’s see who the Braves prefer.