Five blockbuster Mets trades the team should consider this winter
Third Baseman/Outfielder Kris Bryant
The Chicago Cubs will have some major decisions on their hands this offseason that pertains to their big core of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, and Kyle Schwarber. Rizzo who has a $16.5 million club option this season is their first priority to evaluate. However, Bryant, Baez, and Schwarber all are eligible for free agency after next season and it’s becoming increasingly likely that not all four players will be in Cubs uniforms together past 2021.
The 28-year old Bryant who has had his own issues with the Cubs front office including a service time manipulation battle in court, as well as an incorrect report that had emerged a couple of seasons ago that had stated he turned down a contract worth $200 million has only furthered the divide between player and organization. Due to those issues and Bryant having his worst statistical season in a Cubs uniform in 2020, he is a prime trade candidate this offseason and the Mets should be interested in acquiring his services.
The Mets have been using a combination of J.D. Davis, Todd Frazier, and Jeff McNeil to hold down the third base position over the past couple of seasons, but acquiring the former National League MVP would solidify the hot corner for the better part of the next decade. Bryant also carries positional versatility as he can also play either corner outfield spot in a pinch for the Mets.
Bryant would add a right-handed bat in a lefty dominant Mets lineup as well as offer a clear answer at the third base position that the Mets have not had since David Wright’s retirement. It also doesn’t hurt that Bryant carries a career robust .300 batting average at Citi Field.
Bryant will be arbitration-eligible for the final time in 2020 and surely is a prime bounce-back candidate after his down year on the north side of Chicago. The four-time All-Star would do well with a change of scenery and a fresh start with a new organization, which the Mets can offer him in 2021 and beyond.