NY Mets Trade Rumors: A bidding war for Kris Bryant with the Nationals
![MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JUNE 28: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field on June 28, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Frisingapple-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1329094279-850x560-010884bd2f78717876ead20f62721f6d.jpg)
The latest round of New York Mets trade rumors indicates that the Mets will have stiff competition for Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. With Bryant on a Cubs team that is hovering around .500, it is likely that they will become sellers at the Trade Deadline, especially since the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers went on a long winning streak before the All-Star break to further cushion their hold on the division.
The Mets are not the only National League East team interested in acquiring Bryant. The Washington Nationals, who are currently in fourth place in the division, have also expressed interest in the third baseman as they make a second-half season push.
The latest round of Mets trade rumors seems to indicate the Nationals and the Mets are both going to be the buyers at the deadline. For the Mets, this makes sense, considering their standing in the division and the fact that the Atlanta Braves, the favorite at the beginning of the year, are struggling mightily and lost their star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. for the year. The Nationals are an interesting case though, seeing as their chances at the postseason are dwindling.
The New York Mets will be buyers at the deadline, and the latest Mets trade rumors suggest that third base is a position to watch as the deadline approaches.
Based on how the talks progressed over last winter, it is likely that the Cubs asking price for Bryant will remain extraordinarily high. It is likely they will not only ask for top prospects, but they will also be looking at getting back at least one impact player. Last offseason, the Cubs asked for the Mets top catching prospect Francisco Alvarez. It would be surprising if the Cubs do not try to include him in any trade discussions surrounding Bryant.
If that is the case, then the Mets are going to have to get creative. Under no circumstances should the Mets part with Alvarez. Part of the organization’s plan when they signed James McCann this past offseason was that he would be the bridge to Alvarez. Once McCann’s four-year deal expires, Alvarez would be ready to go and step in as the team’s primary catcher.
However, the Mets have a better farm system than the Nationals, which leaves them with a clear advantage. So what could a potential trade package look like between the Mets and the Cubs? The Mets trade rumors suggest that names such as the recently DFA’d Billy McKinney and J.D. Davis could be starting points for a potential deal. Prospects outside of Alvarez that could get considered is Brett Baty, who is a top-10 third base prospect. The Mets will also likely have to throw in another top-10 prospect, such as outfielder Khalil Lee or a pitching prospect in the top 10 such as J.T. Ginn.
3 sluggers not named Kris Bryant the Mets could use. Next
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The latest Mets trade rumors suggest that while no deal is imminent, talks with the Cubs are expected to continue over the next two weeks. Whether they can beat out the Nationals for Bryant or choose to stay pat remains to be seen.