Philadelphia Phillies need Kris Bryant

Oct 14, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder Kris Bryant (23) reacts after taking a called strike during the fourth inning in game five of the 2021 NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder Kris Bryant (23) reacts after taking a called strike during the fourth inning in game five of the 2021 NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies have quite a few holes on the roster. Not only is the bullpen a giant question mark, but they need to find two outfielders, a shortstop, and possibly a third baseman. For a team that has playoff aspirations, the Phillies have a lot of work to do.

There are several players available that could make a major difference. The Phillies had been linked to Kyle Schwarber before the lockout and were reportedly close to having a deal done when they ran out of time. While Schwarber would certainly help, the Phillies should have another target in mind – Kris Bryant.

Kris Bryant is the piece the Philadelphia Phillies need

There is no question that Bryant would be a drastic upgrade to the Phillies’ lineup. He has produced a .278/.376/.504 batting line over his career, hitting 167 homers and 204 doubles. A four time All Star, he was the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year, and won the NL MVP award the following season.

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Not only does Bryant have the type of bat that the Phillies need in their lineup, but his defensive versatility can also make a difference. While he has typically played at third or the outfield corners, Bryant can also handle center and first base. Considering the holes in the Phillies’ lineup, adding Bryant would go a long way to solving numerous problems.

There is also the Bryce Harper Factor. Bryant and Harper grew up together, facing one another on the diamonds of their youth. That friendship has continued to this day, with Bryant trying to coax Harper to come to Chicago when he was there. Now, it is Harper’s turn to attempt to recruit Bryant.

Financial concerns have to be examined as well. The Phillies have never gone above the luxury tax and are already closing in on that hypothetical mark with several holes to fill. It is possible that they look at quantity over quality. But you also get what you pay for. In this case, with an improved NL East, the Phillies need to spend whatever is necessary to improve. That includes opening the checkbook for Bryant.

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Kris Bryant is going to be a popular name once the lockout is over. While he will have plenty of suitors, the Philadelphia Phillies need him most of all.