Kris Bryant's Name Keeps Coming Up In Trade Talks, Who Might Deal For Him?

Chicago Cubs' star third baseman Kris Bryant is, again, on the trade block. His name keeps popping up in rumors, so which franchise might pull the trigger on a deal for your girlfriend's favorite player? Let's discuss.

Bryant's No. 17 jersey has been a top-seller for five years running, and it's not just because of his looks. The three-time All-Star has already piled up 142 career homers, while also managing a .280 average in his six seasons in red and blue. Unfortunately for Bryant, shoulder surgery in the winter of 2018 has been a road block.

That leads us to today, where Kris Bryant has just one year and $18.6 million left on his deal. Lingering shoulder issues clearly hindered his performance in 2020, when he hit an abysmal .208. So, there certainly is risk in dealing for the guy. But there's also a major upside: he's tremendously talented.

Who's interested?

Well, new Mets' owner Steve Cohen is already circling, and Bryant would be a decent fit in NY.

"Sandy Alderson indicated yesterday he isn't trading top prospects," NY Posts' Mike Puma tweeted.

What this quote tells us is that Steve Cohen, and probably most owners, know that Kris Bryant is damaged goods. Sure, he could easily return to his top-5 MVP self, but the Chicago Cubs' price can't be through the roof with a looming contract next off-season AND a bad shoulder.

Another team that should pay Bryant more attention is the Texas Rangers. Just a couple months ago, the Rangers were blowing up the Rockies' phones to see what it would take to grab Nolan Arenado. If they were willing to bring on the rest of Arenado's eight-year, $260 million deal, why would they hesitate on a potential rental with Kris Bryant? They should be willing to fork over the goods to make a deal work.

Hope you guys saved your $600 stimulus checks. Your girlfriend might ask you to grab a new Kris Bryant thread for Valentine's Day, wherever he lands.