Atlanta Insider Names Braves Prospects Cubs Rumored to Covet in Potential Kris Bryant Trade

Not much came out of the Chicago Cubs camp in terms of new signings during and after the MLB Winter Meetings. Instead, the most talked-about topic surrounding the the North Siders concerned the ongoing trade rumors swirling around star third baseman Kris Bryant.

Out of all interested teams, the Atlanta Braves have stuck out the most, with the Cubs reportedly looking for a package of two pitchers and one position player according to the latest buzz. Now, one Atlanta insider claims to know just which ones the Cubbies have their eye on.

Atlanta sports radio personality Paul Crane revealed during an ESPN Chicago interview on Tuesday that the Cubs are rumored to want three of four of pitcher Ian Anderson, third baseman/outfielder Austin Riley, pitcher Kyle Wright, and outfielder Drew Waters.

Crane's word should be taken in context however, given that he is better known as around town as an Atlanta Falcons radio man than a baseball guy. Yet, he does say he's heard the aforementioned names from an anonymous Braves source.

Riley made an immediate impact after getting called up from the minors in May. His production did dip over the course of the season, however, as evidenced by his .226 batting average and .279 on-base percentage. Riley could fit in as Bryant's long-term replacement in the Windy City, however, if the Cubs are keen on retooling for the future.

As for Waters, Anderson, and Wright, they rank second, third, and fourth, respectively, in terms of Atlanta's top prospects. The real question is this: would the Braves be willing to give up that amount of talent for Bryant, even if it doesn't include No. 1 prospect Christian Pache?

That answer won't be revealed until a ruling is given in Kris Bryant's service time grievance hearing. Expect things to heat up afterwards.