Chicago Cubs: Three trade destinations for Kris Bryant

If the Chicago Cubs are going to trade Kris Bryant, the time is now. Let’s look at three possible trade destinations.

The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a difficult position heading into this offseason. They had won the NL Central, but their window of contention may be able to close. Key players are approaching free agency, either in this offseason or next year, making the potential for a rebuild all the more likely.

This has led to the speculation that the Cubs could look to trade some of their players. One name that has been rumored to be dealt is Kris Bryant, who was also the subject of trade speculation last year. However, his return may not be as significant this offseason.

Not only does Bryant have just one year remaining until free agency, but he struggled mightily in 2020. He produced a .206/.293/.351 batting line in his 147 plate appearances, hitting only four homers and five doubles. It was a thoroughly disappointing year for the former MVP, and one that may have driven down his trade value.

Nonetheless, if the Chicago Cubs are looking to trade Bryant, there will be a robust market. Let’s look at three possible landing spots.

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves could be an intriguing destination for Kris Bryant, especially given some possible holes on their roster.

In theory, the Braves will have an opening in their outfield due to Nick Markakis reaching free agency. Likewise, current third baseman Austin Riley has not exactly set the world afire during his major league career to this point. Adding Bryant would be a significant upgrade in either position.

The Braves have also displayed a willingness to take an expensive one year gamble since Alex Anthopolous took over as the general manager. They have brought in Josh Donaldson and Marcell Ozuna on high priced one year deals, both of which have worked out. But those acquisitions only money, not resources from the farm.

While the Braves do have the type of prospects that could land Bryant, the question is whether or not they would want to give up that type of talent for what would essentially be a rental. Bryant, if he is right, can be a game changer for the lineup. But the prospect cost may be more than they want to spend.

The Braves would make sense as a landing spot for Kris Bryant. He could be the missing piece in their lineup.

Los Angels Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are not opposed to making a big move. Adding Kris Bryant from the Chicago Cubs would fit their modus operandi.

After all, the Dodgers did that last offseason. Mookie Betts was an impending free agent when they acquired him from the Red Sox last offseason. Not only was Betts a key part of the Dodgers’ winning the World Series, but Los Angeles also locked him into a long term extension, making the trade that much better.

The Dodgers do have an opening at third base. Justin Turner, as loved as he may be by his teammates, is a free agent. If Bryant can return to the form he displayed in his first five years, he would be an immediate upgrade, and yet another star in what promises to be a formidable Dodgers lineup.

Obviously, the Dodgers would hope that Bryant would be more than a rental. They rolled the dice on Betts and were able to get that extension done. With a questionable economic landscape in the coming years, Los Angeles may be able to do that yet again if they were able to land the Chicago Cubs third baseman.

The Dodgers have the prospects and the gumption to make such a deal happen. If Kris Bryant is dealt, it would not be a surprise to see him in Los Angeles.