With the offseason here, Chicago Cubs rumors have mostly involved which players the team might try to acquire. The hot speculation involved free agents Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, who may be lured away from the Cubs. As of November 9, a new report spread like a wildfire that suggested the team was open to trading one of their biggest stars. Cubs General Manager Theo Epstein has now made comments to discuss the validity of these rumors.

Report says Cubs open to Bryant trade

The report that launched Chicago Cubs fans into a frenzy involved one from ESPN's Buster Olney about third baseman Kris Bryant.

The sports media outlet mentioned that Theo Epstein said this past week that they were willing to take offers on just about any member of their roster. There were almost "no untouchables" in terms of trade talks.

Olney mentioned that talks to get Bryant's team to agree to a long-term MLB deal haven't been successful. Due to this, that could mean a trade takes place soon. Cubs fans may have mostly been upset by the idea, while there could be some who feel a change would help.

Olney's ESPN report also mentioned that Bryant becomes a free agent in 2021, and he'll be "much more expensive" at that point.

The All-Star third baseman had a rough season last year, due to several stints on the disabled list. He finished his Chicago Cubs' season with a .272 batting average and just 13 home runs in the 102 games he played in.

Cubs GM shoots down Bryant rumors

On Friday, Epstein gave new comments to add to what he said this past week and also quiet those Cubs rumors that ESPN's report was spreading.

Epstein mentioned, "we will listen to anything, but that's just an operating philosophy." He also said the Cubs are "looking to add" to the impact players on their roster rather than get rid of them. Epstein's comments seem to squash any notion that Kris Bryant is on the trading block, for now.

That seems to be good news for Chicago Cubs fans.

The team is just two seasons removed from a historic World Series win that ended a drought of over a century without another title. However, fans were expecting several runs at more titles, based on the roster the Cubs have.

Bryant was the Rookie of the Year in 2015 and the NL MVP in the 2016 season. In 2016, the Cubs won the World Series against the Cleveland Indians. With Bryant, Baez, Rizzo, and other talents still on the roster, fans were expecting some more titles and celebratory parades. This offseason there has also been some discussion of giving pay raises to the deserving members of the roster.

Bryant is among those players.

For the 2018 MLB season, Chicago finished with a record of 95-68, which was good for second place in the National League Central division. The Cubs were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the Colorado Rockies in a 13-inning game. If they can keep their core stars, and add to that talent, as Epstein suggests, some more runs toward championships could be on the horizon.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED