CHICAGO _ An arbitrator ultimately will decide whether Kris Bryant is one or two years away from free agency, but the Twins' signing Tuesday night of free-agent third baseman Josh Donaldson didn't hurt the Cubs.
Donaldson electing to sign a four-year, $92 million contract with the Twins instead of returning to the Braves leaves open the possibility of the Cubs re-engaging the Braves in trade talks for Bryant.
The Braves, who won the National League East thanks in part to Donaldson's contributions, have Austin Riley and Johan Camargo as in-house options at third base. But neither has close to the credentials or experience of Bryant, the 2016 National League Most Valuable Player and a three-time All-Star.
The Braves have been linked as a suitor for Bryant, and they have a pitching-deep farm system that could satisfy the Cubs' long-term needs.
Bryant and the Cubs are awaiting a decision on a grievance filed by the Major League Baseball Players Association on Bryant's behalf that alleges the Cubs manipulated the start of his service-time clock to delay him from reaching free agency until after the 2021 season.
The Cubs insist they acted properly in sending Bryant to Triple-A Iowa to start the 2015 season and are confident the arbitrator will rule in their favor.
A favorable ruling for the Cubs would boost Bryant's trade value. In turn, Bryant would give them financial flexibility as he will make $18.6 million this year and even more in 2021 as he will be arbitration eligible.
The Rangers, who initially inquired about Bryant, moved on last week by signing free agent Todd Frazier. The Nationals, who also lost out on Donaldson, couldn't provide a match with the Cubs, according to a source last month.
However, the Diamondbacks are "exploring" a trade for Bryant, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7. The Diamondbacks have quickly rebuilt their farm system, and general manager Mike Hazen and assistant GM Jared Porter (a former Cubs executive) worked with Cubs President Theo Epstein with the Red Sox.
The Dodgers, who failed to sign third baseman Anthony Rendon (now with the Angels), also have a reservoir of minor league talent to engage the Cubs.
