The Chicago Cubs could have Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant back on the team next season.
After having the biggest fire sale in franchise history, the Chicago Cubs have not ruled out a return to the North Side for their former stars in Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant‘s pending free agencies.
Of the former Cubs who could come back next year on a new contract, the two most likely are Rizzo and Bryant. For most of the season, it felt like the Cubs were going to hold onto Rizzo, despite their intentions to sell at the deadline. He was shipped to the New York Yankees on Thursday night. As for Bryant, he was dealt to the San Francisco Giants in the 11th hour on Friday.
What are the chances the Cubs bring back either of their former corner infield stars in free agency?
Chicago Cubs could re-sign Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant this offseason
The good news for Cubs fans is Bryant and Rizzo seem to be open to the idea of returning to the organization on a new deal. Both players were obviously very emotional about being traded at the deadline this year. After all, this is the duo who recorded the final out in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series to break the curse. The question is if the Cubs will have the capital to bring both guys back.
Ultimately, it feels like it is going to be one, and not both. If we had to speculate on which former Cub comes back to the team on a new contract next season, it would have to be Rizzo. His market will be more easily defined as a slick-fielding first baseman with serious power. Because Bryant has played all over the field this year, his value should be at an all-time high in his free agency.
If the Cubs do re-sign one of their former stars, the smart money is on it being Rizzo over Bryant.