Kris Bryant

Cubs manager David Ross says he is committed to Kris Bryant as the team's leadoff hitter in 2020.

Fantasy Impact

The Cubs have struggled to find a consistent leadoff hitter over the past couple of seasons and Bryant's OBP skills make him an interesting choice. This will likely lead to a decrease in RBIs for the former MVP but it'll certainly help maximize his plate appearances.

Following a sit down with Theo Epstein, Kris Bryant says he expects to remain with the Cubs for the 2020 season.

Fantasy Impact

Bryant, who is scheduled to hit free agency after the 2021 season, was in trade rumors all off-season. However, it appears the Cubs will be holding onto the former MVP for now. In 2019 Bryant hit 31 homers, posted a .903 OPS, and drove in 77 runs.

Third baseman Kris Bryant lost his grievance against the Chicago Cubs in which he sought an extra year of service time, ensuring he won't become a free agent until after the 2021 season, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Fantasy Impact

Bryant has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason, but the cloud of this grievance made his value tricky to determine since the acquiring team did not know if they were getting just one or two years of team control. Now, as frustrating as it is for Bryant, he is a much more attractive asset, and his trade market might pick up. In 2019, he batted .282 with 108 runs scored, 31 home runs, 77 RBIs, and four stolen bases.

Kris Bryant (ankle) and the Cubs avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $18.6 million deal Friday.

Fantasy Impact

Bryant has been rumored to be traded all off-season, but he is in the middle of service-time grievance. Once the grievance issue is settled, trade talks could heat up for the 28-year old. Even if Bryant is dealt, his fantasy value should relatively stay the same. He slashed .282/.382/.521 with 31 home runs, 77 RBI, 108 runs and four stolen bases across 634 pate appearances in 2019. Bryant is still one of the most consistent producers in fantasy, and is a borderline top five 3B for 2020.

Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reports that the Cubs have had trade talks with the Phillies in regards to Kris Bryant.

Fantasy Impact

Trading Bryant would be a surprising move by the Cubs but the team is known to be trying to shed salary. The Phillies are also known to be pursing Anthony Rendon in free agency as they seek a third baseman.