3 Moves Cubs Could Make to Change Culture Without Trading Kris Bryant

The Chicago Cubs need to strike gold in the offseason to get back on the right track in the fierce NL Central, but doing so could mean that they are forced to part ways with star third baseman Kris Bryant. While a small section of the Wrigley faithful have resigned themselves to the notion Bryant will play elsewhere, there are plenty of big moves the Cubs can make to improve without getting rid of a guy who should be their franchise cornerstone.

3. Steal Jean Segura From the Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies v Washington Nationals - Game One / Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Segura wouldn't be the type of player who would make the Cubs instant title contenders, but getting a player who hit .280 after three straight seasons of hitting over .300 would give the top of their lineup some consistency. With Segura and Javier Baez in the middle of the infield, Anthony Rizzo at first, and Bryant at third, the Cubs would have the best infield in the National League and could claim to have the best in all of baseball.

2. Trade for Noah Syndergaard

Atlanta Braves v New York Mets / Mike Stobe/Getty Images

The Mets might insist that Thor is not for sale, but the Cubs might be able to change their mind if they dangle a few top prospects in Brodie Van Wagenan's face. Kyle Hendricks has been the statistical ace of the staff over the last few years, and adding Syndergaard to a rotation with Yu Darvish and Jon Lester would give them one of the most complete starting staffs assuming the latter names can get back on track in 2020.

1. Mortgage the Future for Mookie Betts

Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Nico Hoerner and any top prospect with a pulse would be the STARTING point for a potential Betts trade. Additionally, considering Betts is a free agent after 2020, the Cubs may not actually have to surrender as much as fans might think. Imagine Betts, Baez and Bryant, a modern Killer Bs, hitting back-to-back-to-back in the Cubs order. If Betts has his heart set on leaving Boston for a bigger deal elsewhere, this could be an ideal landing spot.