MESA, Arizona – Let’s get one thing straight about Kris Bryant leading off and moving off third at times to play more outfield this year:
It doesn’t suddenly mean he won’t be traded at the July deadline if the Cubs don’t get off to a strong enough start this season – although Bryant did say Thursday that manager David Ross “seems to think I’m going to be here.”
And contrary to some theories being floated publicly, it’s not likely to lower his value as a free agent or prospective extension candidate.
That might sound like two things to get straight.