San Diego Padres: Does a trade for Kris Bryant make sense?
By Ben Fadden
Kris Bryant will reportedly be “in trade talks” this offseason. As the San Diego Padres have a specific need, would a deal make sense?
ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently noted that Kris Bryant will be among “monster names” to be in trade conversations after the season concludes, as he only has two more seasons to go on his contract with the Chicago Cubs.
I know you read the title and thought “Is this guy crazy? The San Diego Padres just signed Manny Machado to a $300 million deal, so why would they need another third baseman?”
What I would say is I am fully aware San Diego has a hall of fame third baseman already, so why am I asking this question?
Kris Bryant can play the outfield.
Fans view Bryant as a third baseman, but he has played a good amount of games in the outfield.
He has played 167 games in the outfield in his career including 17 in his 2015 MVP season.
This season he has played 22 games where he played in the outfield: 19 in right field and 10 in left field. In those games, he has a .962 fielding percentage.
While San Diego would be bringing him in to play a corner outfield position, but the real reason would be his offense.
The former MVP has hit at least 26 HR in 3 of the last 4 seasons, with a .901 OPS this season.