Mets Rumors: Kris Bryant predicted to be in Queens or Toronto in 2021

Despite the New York Mets having missed out on outfielder George Springer and reliever Brad Hand, it has not stopped the Mets rumors from continuing to spread. The latest Mets rumors surround Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise considering the Mets have been involved in talks for a good portion of the offseason in regards to Bryant.

The latest chatter comes from ESPN’s Buster Olney, as he reports that after speaking to one club official, who is not directly involved in the Kris Bryant trade talks, the official predicts that Bryant will ultimately land with the Mets or the Toronto Blue Jays. It’s only fitting it may come down to both of these clubs, as it seems all offseason the Mets direct competition has been the Blue Jays.

Despite a disappointing 2020 season in which Bryant only hit .206/.293/.351 in 34 games played, we can’t forget the long list of accolades Bryant brings along with him. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers pointed out that the three-time All-Star third baseman is the only player to win the College Player of the Year Award, the Minor League Player of the Year Award, the Rookie of the Year Award, and the MVP Award in four straight seasons.

The New York Mets rumors surrounding third baseman Kris Bryant suggest the Mets front office is buying in on a bounce-back season in 2021.

Unfortunately, Bryant has had his fair share of issues with the Cubs front office in regards to a service time battle that has seemed to spill over into his overall morale. He had mentioned to Rogers not having as much fun playing baseball since trade rumors began surrounding him in 2018, and he would be a prime change of scenery candidate that could have a big bounce-back season in another uniform.

The 29-year old Bryant is under contract for 2021 at $19.5 million, which notably is the last season the Mets would have Bryant under contract as he is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of this upcoming season. While Bryant could provide the Mets a significant upgrade at the hot corner, if he can bounce back from a disappointing 2020 campaign, it’s a risky move considering the Mets already have many players they will need to take care of after the 2021 season.

Francisco Lindor, Michael Conforto, Noah Syndergaard, and Marcus Stroman are all scheduled to be free agents as well after this upcoming campaign which the Mets are certainly going to have open their pockets for. We also can’t forget Robinson Cano’s salary comes back on the books in 2022 which could potentially limit the Mets financial flexibility.

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While it seems that the Mets rumors are pointing in many different directions over the last several days, this is a rumor for us to keep an eye on as it comes from one of the most respected sources in baseball. Kris Bryant would be another star acquisition for the Mets front office this winter and further push the narrative that the Mets are legitimate World Series contenders this upcoming season. However, should Bryant find himself in Queens in 2021 the real question becomes how does the fit work long term for the Mets?