The Chicago Cubs are "willing to discuss" trades involving

most of their players http://www.chicagocubsteamshop.com/authentic-david-ross-jersey , including star third baseman Kris Bryant, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney."We've never operated with untouchables," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said at the general manager meetings earlier this week, per Olney. "It sends the wrong message. Given what we're trying to accomplish, it would be virtually impossible to envision the deal that would make sense to move them. I just don't believe in untouchables. Why limit yourself?"However, Epstein offered a follow-up that makes the Cubs sound less eager to move on from their stars."I answered a general question about whether we have untouchables," the Cubs president said, per Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. "Like most every organization, we will listen to anything, but that's just an operating philosophy. We are lucky to have some impact players and we are looking to add to them, not subtract."Bryantis under club control through the 2021 season.The 26-year-oldis coming off his worst season as a Cub, hitting .272/.374/.460 with 13 home runs, 28 doubles and 52 RBI. He was limited to 102 games as he dealt with shoulder inflammation throughout the summer. It marked the first time he landed on the disabled list in his four-year career.He was able to work his way back onto the field for the stretch run Drew Smyly Jersey , helping Chicago earn a wild-card berth. The slugger couldn't come through for his team in October, though. He went 0-for-2 with a walk in a 3-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in a one-game playoff for the National League Central title, and he went 1-for-6 with three strikeouts in an extra-inning loss to the Colorado Rockies in the NL Wild Card Game.There was plenty of blame to go around on offense in October. But after regressing in the two seasons following their World Series championship in 2016, the Cubs might be looking to make changes to put themselves in better position for 2019.Chicago may be willing to listen to offers, as Olney notes, but it would take quite the haul to get Bryant out of the Windy City. This is a player who nabbed a Rookie of the Year award, an MVP award and a World Series all within his first two seasons. Prior to this past season, he had received MVP votes in all three of his years in the big leagues.Not to mention the fact that he can't hit free agency for three more seasons.Ultimately, though, it's a business. The Cubs have to do what they feel is best for the organization鈥攁s they did when they manipulated his service time prior to calling him up in 2015.Jon Heyman reported for FanRag Sports in June 2017 (h/t SB Nation) that Bryant turned down an extension without even presenting a counteroffer. Bryant had told the Chicago Sun-Times' Gordon Wittenmyer in May 2017 that he wasn't looking to make a long-term commitment at that point."I guess it's a little early," Bryant told Wittenmyer. "I still feel super-young. I'm still getting used to all of this playing at this level. I'll listen to whatever they have to say, but I just think that it might be in my best interest to just play it out and see where things go."Olney added that the Cubs made a "significant" offer last year, but talks have not gone anywhere. Bryant and agent Scott Boras filed a grievance in 2015 over the way the franchise handled his initial promotion. That situation could be playing a factor in his decision not to sign an extension.If the Cubs get the vibe that Bryant will leave via free agency when the time comes Brandon Morrow Jersey , they would have to explore all options. It's not clear how likely a trade might be this winter, but the team is reportedly at least going to field offers. If there's an offer that's too good to refuse, Bryant could be wearing a different uniform next season. BALTIMORE (AP) — One night after setting a dubious record for losses, the Baltimore Orioles were ready to savor a rare win against a division rival.Rookie DJ Stewart hit his first major league home run and Baltimore used five pitchers to avoid a three-game sweep by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 Wednesday night.The Orioles bounced back one night after taking their 108th loss of the season, the most since moving to Baltimore in 1954. They remained three away from the franchise mark set by the 1939 St. Louis Browns.“I was thinking about it tonight how many times I walked down that long hall to get here after a great win, trying to temper the enthusiasm,” manager Buck Showalter said. “I still feel elated after we win a game and then I think about all the good things that went on, especially defensively tonight.”Jimmy Yacabonis started for Baltimore and threw four scoreless innings, followed by Mike Wright (4-2), who blanked the Blue Jays over two innings. Miguel Castro allowed a solo homer to Billy McKinney in the eighth that cut the lead to 2-1 before Tanner Scott managed the final out of the inning.Mychal Givens picked up his eighth save for Baltimore.Stewart, who was promoted Sept. 11 from Triple-A Norfolk, gave the Orioles the lead when he led off the third with a towering shot off Estrada that caromed off the right-field foul pole. He also had a double in the seventh and scored an insurance run on a single by Cedric Mullins off Tim Mayza.“I’ve felt comfortable every at-bat pretty much,” Stewart said. “I think there was one at bat I kind of went up there chasing a little bit http://www.chicagocubsteamshop.com/authentic-david-ross-jersey , just trying to get that hit. I felt comfortable for the most part, but whenever you see one fall for the first time, it’s a little bit of a relief that not only are you feeling well but you’re seeing the results also. It was definitely big for me.”Toronto won the season series 14-5.“Any chance you have to try and sweep a team is a big one,” Toronto manager John Gibbons said. “We have had a pretty tough year ourselves so you try to build and win as many games as you can.”The Blue Jays’ Marco Estrada (7-13) bounced back from his previous outing when he tied a career-high by allowing eight runs against the Yankees. He was charged with one run and four hits with five strikeouts and one walk over six innings.“It was a good outing. I made a lot of good pitches,” Estrada said. “One got away from me and the kid hit it out, Congrats to him. Weren’t too many hard hit balls.”The Blue Jays loaded the bases in the fourth against Yacabonis, who was making his fifth career start. However, he escaped the jam when Kendrys Morales hit a fly ball to Adam Jones, who threw out McKinney trying to score from third. It was Jones’ 99th career assist and first in right field.YOUTH MOVEMENTBlue Jays C Russell Martin has not played since Sept. 3. Manager John Gibbons wants to give Luke Maile and rookie Danny Jansen an extended look behind the plate.TRAINER’S ROOMOrioles: Rookie C Chance Sisco will not travel with the team to New York. He took a foul ball off his mask Sunday against the White Sox and is still waiting to be cleared from concussion protocol.UP NEXTBlue Jays: Sam Gaviglio will start the opener Thursday in Tampa Bay. He has gone 1-8 since July 20 and lost both games against the Rays this season.Orioles: Rookie Yefry Ramirez (1-6, 5.50 ERA) will make his 11th start Friday in New York. He tied a career high with seven strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings Saturday against the White Sox.