Chicago Cubs: 3 landing spots for Kris Bryant
At this point, it is a matter of when, not if, Kris Bryant gets traded. The Chicago Cubs star is not part of the group that the team is looking to extend before delving into trade talks. In fact, previous rumors of a trade, and the Cubs’ manipulation of his service time, had likely closed the door on such discussions long ago.
But that is a matter of speculation. What is clear is that Bryant will be one of the more coveted players on the trade block. His defensive versatility, as he has played all three outfield positions, as well as first and third this season, would make him a fit for almost every possible contender.
Three landing spots for Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant
Bryant would also be a clear upgrade for most lineups. He has rebounded from an awful 2020 campaign to return to his previous levels, ensuring that the Cubs should get an impressive haul of prospects. Bryant had produced a .271/.353/.502 batting line in his 329 plate appearances entering Friday, hitting 16 homers and 17 doubles. He is the type of middle of the order bat that any team would covet.
But where will Kris Bryant end up? Let’s take a look at some destinations for the Chicago Cubs slugger.
New York Mets
The New York Mets had been listed as a top destination for Kris Bryant since the start of the previous offseason. Now that the Chicago Cubs have officially put him on the block, it is time to revisit that thought.
With J.D. Davis on the Injured List, the Mets have utilized Jonathan Villar as their primary third baseman. Likewise, the injuries in their outfield have led to a less than imposing cast of characters getting playing time, including those infamous weeks where the top four center fielders on their depth chart were all on the IL. Even now, the Mets could desperately use more depth.
Not only would Bryant be that depth piece they need, but he would add an imposing bat to a lineup that has struggled. The Mets rank 14th in the National League in runs, and 11th in OPS, batting average, and homers. Bryant would certainly improve the numbers.
The Mets also have pressure to win. Steve Cohen is determined to bring a championship to New York, one that does not come packaged in pinstripes. Adding Bryant to the mix would be a great way to prove that he is doing everything possible to make that happen.
Kris Bryant would be a perfect fit with the New York Mets. It would not be a surprise if this long rumored deal came to fruition.
Oakland A’s
The Oakland A’s making a play for Kris Bryant? It seems strange, but it would make sense.
As currently constituted, the A’s are in need of help in the outfield and depth at the corner infield. Mark Canha and Stephen Piscotty are both on the Injured List, and Piscotty has not exactly set the world afire when he has played. Bryant would solidify one of those corner outfield spots, adding a desperately needed impact bat to the lineup.
Bryant not only has the type of defensive versatility that the A’s like, but he has also been a solid defensive presence in each spot this year. While he would not be tasked with playing either of the corner infield positions much with Matt Chapman and Matt Olson, the A’s would not lose anything defensively if he spotted them in the lineup. Adding his offensive capabilities only increases how much of an upgrade he would be to the roster.
There are two issues with adding Bryant. The first is that the A’s may not have the type of prospects that the Chicago Cubs would want. The second is Bryant’s remaining salary. The A’s had to scrounge in abandoned couches to even dabble in free agency; will ownership approve adding over $6 million in salary for two months of Kris Bryant?
Kris Bryant would make a great deal of sense for the Oakland A’s. It would be up to ownership if they want to spend that type of money for a chance at a championship.
San Francisco Giants
Much like the Oakland A’s, the San Francisco Giants are in desperate need of depth in their lineup. However, unlike the A’s, they definitely have the resources to land Kris Bryant.
The Giants certainly need help. Both Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt are on the Injured List, and while Wilmer Flores and Darin Ruf have been solid replacements, one cannot expect that their current level of production will continue. The Giants also need help in the outfield, particularly in left, where Alex Dickerson has disappointed.
Not only would Bryant add depth to those positions, but he would give the Giants something that the lineup is missing – a true slugger that can change the game with one swing of the bat. San Francisco has a solid enough lineup, but it is aging and could falter down the stretch.
As the Dodgers get healthy, and will likely do anything possible to improve their roster at the deadline, the Giants will need to make some moves as well. Adding Bryant to what has been a surprisingly strong lineup would certainly help. A trade could also serve as a recruiting trip, as the Giants are expected to be one of the favorites to land Bryant in free agency.
Next. Three trade destinations for Craig Kimbrel. dark
The San Francisco Giants have the type of prospects that could entice the Chicago Cubs to trade Kris Bryant. He could head to the Bay Area after all.