Fresh off of a double trade Tuesday which included the Mookie Betts blockbuster where Betts and David Price got the Hollywood greeting, there may be another superstar on the move.
Bob Nightengale has reported that the Phillies and the Nationals are the current top suitors.
Now, #Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is on the trade clock with the #Phillies and #Nats showing at least exploratory interest.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 5, 2020
The Nationals would be a reasonable landing spot especially considering Anthony Rendon departed to the Los Angeles Angels. Rendon left a gaping hole in their lineup and Kris Bryant would certainly help fill that gap as well as bringing above-average defense and major versatility to the Nats.
Bryant is under control through 2021 after he lost his service time grievance. He accused the Cubs of deliberately manipulating his service time which prevented him from becoming a free agent after the 2020 season. With the extra year of control, the Nationals should be more than willing to strike a deal.
The Phillies, on the other hand, are in a sticky situation. After spending “stupid money” last offseason and then bringing Zack Wheeler aboard on a large deal, adding Bryant may create some payroll stress especially with the large arbitration costs to come with several of their players. The Phillies additionally have Alec Bohm waiting in the minors to play third-base so it seems peculiar that they are the second-highest suitor. Bohm does have his defensive issues but his power and hit-ability can’t be ignored.
The price for Bryant will be pretty high but both the Nationals and the Phillies can meet it.
