The blockbuster Mookie Betts trade on Tuesday night could be the first of several dominos to fall in MLB’s trade market before spring training. Now, with trade rumors swirling about Kris Bryant’s future with the Chicago Cubs, the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals are pursuing him.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Bryant is now the next MLB star who could be traded before the offseason and two NL East rivals are already emerging as potential suitors.
The Cubs have been looking to make a big move all offseason and the biggest hurdle preventing a trade, Bryant’s contract grievance, has now been taken care of. The All-Star third baseman remains under contract for the next two seasons, which adds to the potential return Chicago could land.
Chicago reportedly discussed a superstar swap that would have sent Bryant to the Colorado Rockies for Nolan Arenado. While talks ultimately didn’t progress, Bryant remains available and is attracting plenty of interest across the league.
Bryant is coming off another excellent season with the Cubs. He posted a .282/.382/.521 slash line with 31 home runs and drove in 77 runs across 147 games.
The 28-year-old would fill the void at third base in Washington left when Anthony Rendon signed with the Angels this offseason. Bryant could also be the other superstar the Phillies need to become World Series contenders in 2020.