Now that Mookie Betts is off the MLB trade block, attention around the league has turned to the Chicago Cubs and Kris Bryant. The talented third baseman has garnered renewed interest from from the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports.
Betts was considered the top player on the trade block, landing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, contenders such as NL East rivals, the Nationals and Phillies, may want to boost their lineups in wake of the Dodgers’ power move with Betts.
The Phillies are in need to add a bat in their lineup around Bryce Harper and JT Realmuto. Both Harper and Bryant are childhood friends with both growing up in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, the defending World Series champion Nationals have a huge hole at third base with the departure of Anthony Rendon to the Los Angeles Angeles.
The Nationals missed out on Josh Donaldson, who left the Atlanta Braves to sign with the Minnesota Twins. Initially indications appear the Nationals will lean on internal options to replace Rendon, particularly infield prospect Carter Kieboom.
However, Bryant’s trade value increased when he lost his
service time grievance to the Cubs in January, keeping him under contract for an extra year through 2021.
Certainly to land a player of Bryant’s caliber would cost the Nationals or the Phillies quite a bit of stock. Names such as Kieboom and outfielder Victor Robles have been tossed around in rumors. Reportedly, the Nationals are unwilling to include Robles in any trade.
Grabbing Bryant would be a huge plug for the Nationals and adds a patient bat in their lineup to protect cleanup hitter Juan Soto, while filling third base. Additionally, keeping him from the Phillies would be an even greater win.
Last season, Bryant hit .282 with a .903 OPS. He also smashed 31 home runs while driving in 77 runs.