Kris Bryant had a rough showing in 2020, with injuries limiting him to 34 games and batting line of .206/.293/.351 for a wRC+ of 75. However, that is the clear outlier on his resume, as his six other seasons have seen him put up a wRC+ of at least 123. Overall, in 884 games, his line is .278/.353/.481, 134 wRC+.
Bryant has been primarily a third baseman in his career, but has diversified his defensive portfolio in recent seasons. In 2021, he still played 55 games at third, but also 48 games in left field, 39 in right, 19 in center, 12 at first base and one at shortstop. With that defensive versatility, it’s possible to fit him into just about any team’s lineup puzzle.
However, some teams won’t be serious contenders for Bryant’s services for financial reasons. MLBTR predicted Bryant to get a contract of $160MM over six years. Some teams have never given a free agent a contract close to that in franchise history, such as the Athletics, Guardians, Pirates and Royals. The Rays made an exception for Wander Franco but don’t seem likely to give out another huge deal this year, even though they considered trading for him last year. The Orioles and Diamondbacks don’t seem likely to throw that kind of money around given the state of their current rosters. The Reds considered acquiring Bryant at last year’s deadline but now seem like they want to subtract payroll rather than adding. Let’s take a look at some of the other options.
Teams With Known Interest
- Mariners — The Mariners tried to trade for Bryant last year and have been connected to him in free agency. With Kyle Seager reaching free agency and eventually retiring, they have a vacancy at third base for the first time in years. Abraham Toro would be the favorite for now, but he could also platoon at second with Adam Frazier or serve a utility role. They also have an uncertain outfield mix, with a great many talented youngsters on hand, though they all still come with varying degrees of uncertainty. After a 90-win season, they’ve been aggressive in trying to load up for 2022, adding Robbie Ray and Adam Frazier to the squad.
- Rockies — The Rockies have been fairly quiet so far this offseason, letting Jon Gray go to the Rangers and seemingly content to let Trevor Story eventually depart as well. However, one move they’ve considered is a pursuit of Bryant. If they were to put Bryant at third, Ryan McMahon could theoretically slide to second base with Brendan Rodgers playing shortstop. If they want Bryant in the outfield, they have lots of room there, with none of Charlie Blackmon, Sam Hilliard, Connor Joe or Raimel Tapia being a real obstacle. The addition of the DH in the NL would make the fit even easier.
- Mets — The Mets had discussions about acquiring Bryant at the deadline last year and have been connected to him in free agency. After spending big on Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, Mark Canha and Eduardo Escobar, it’s possible the Mets are done with throwing huge checks around. Although now that they’ve pushed their 2022 payroll up to $263MM, it’s unclear if they have any limitations at all, meaning nothing can be ruled out completely.
- Angels — The Angels were listed among Bryant’s suitors before the lockout. With Anthony Rendon pencilled into third base, Bryant would likely need to play the outfield as long as Rendon is healthy and in the lineup. Mike Trout would take another outfield slot, with Brandon Marsh, Jo Adell and Justin Upton on hand as options as well. The Angels have serious questions about their middle infield, however, meaning they should have higher priorities than Bryant.
- Padres — Similar to the Angels, the Padres were connected to Bryant before the lockout, despite having an incumbent third baseman in Manny Machado. He could certainly help in the outfield, however, as he’d be a clear upgrade to their current options of Trent Grisham, Wil Myers and Jurickson Profar. The question will be how much money they have to spend, as they ran a franchise record payroll of $174MM in 2021 and are already set to start 2022 just under $200MM.
- Phillies — The Phillies were also rumored to be interested in Bryant before the lockout, which makes sense given their needs. The club has some big question marks in the outfield, outside of Bryce Harper. Bryant could also act as an insurance policy if third baseman Alec Bohm continues to struggle after a disappointing 2021 season.
- Astros — The Astros reportedly checked in Bryant before the deadline, though it’s a bit hard to see the fit on paper. Alex Bregman is slotted in at third, with the club having an outfield/DH rotation of Michael Brantley, Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, Jose Siri, Chas McCormick and Jake Myers. Shortstop is their most obvious area of need, making someone like Trevor Story a better theoretical fit.
- Giants — Bryant would be a logical fit with the Giants, given that they traded for him in 2021. However, they are apparently unlikely to consider nine-figure contracts this offseason, which would seem to rule out a reunion.
Speculative Fits
- Blue Jays — The Blue Jays could certainly use an infield upgrade to make up for the loss of Marcus Semien. They reportedly made a run at Corey Seager before both he and Semien ended up with the Rangers. They apparently still have spending to do after the lockout, even after adding Kevin Gausman and Yimi Garcia. If Bryant were to take over at third base, Cavan Biggio could return to his natural position of second base, which Semien nudged him off of. They’ve also been connected to Seiya Suzuki, suggesting they’re open to adding in the outfield as well.
- Dodgers — The Dodgers re-signed Chris Taylor before the lockout to be their super-utility option and seemingly have bigger needs in the rotation. But given how much they love adding depth, they can’t be completely discounted. 2022 is also potentially the team’s final year with AJ Pollock and Justin Turner. (Pollock has a 2023 player option, while there is a club/vesting option for Turner.) Adding Bryant now would be a way for the Dodgers to prepare for the departure of either.
- Rangers — The Rangers have already spent huge amounts of money to upgrade their infield, adding Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. With Josh Jung on the way to take over the third base, there’s little room for Bryant on the infield. However, the current outfield of Adolis Garcia, Kole Calhoun, Willie Calhoun and Nick Solak could certainly accommodate him. They’ve been connected to Seiya Suzuki recently, suggesting they are considering a significant outfield addition of some sort.
- Red Sox — Boston subtracted a big right-handed bat when they traded Hunter Renfroe to the Brewers. Since then, they have been connected to Seiya Suzuki, suggesting they’re looking to replace Renfroe’s bat through free agency. With Bryant in one outfield corner and Alex Verdugo in another, they could have Jarren Duran and Jackie Bradley Jr. competing for the center field job.
- Yankees — The Yanks have been a sleeping giant so far in this offseason, seemingly pushing major moves until after they could get a look at the new CBA. DJ LeMahieu is the best fit for third base duties at the moment, though he could also defer to Bryant and move over to first base, especially if the club pulls the trigger on a Luke Voit trade. Like the Blue Jays and Red Sox, the Yankees were also connected to Seiya Suzuki, suggesting they could also find a way to work Bryant into the outfield mix, perhaps in combination with a Joey Gallo trade.
Long Shots
- Braves — The staring contest between Freddie Freeman and the Braves was not settled before the lockout. If they can’t work out a deal, Atlanta could always pivot to Bryant to try and make up for the outfield losing Eddie Rosario, Jorge Soler and Joc Pederson. But with Freeman and Bryant likely looking at similar contracts, it seems much more likely they spend that money on the guy who’s been the face of the franchise and just helped them win the World Series.
- Brewers — Luis Urias had a nice breakout season in 2021 and seems like the favorite for Milwaukee’s third base job, but he can also play second and shortstop, making him a good candidate for a super-utility role. If the NL adds the DH, it would be even easier for him and Bryant to share playing time. However, the Brewers are currently set to run a payroll of $121MM this year, just shy of their franchise record, which was $123 in 2019. Adding the money it would take to sign Bryant doesn’t seem likely.
- Cardinals — The Cards already have an excellent third baseman in Nolan Arenado, as well as a solid outfield of Tyler O’Neill, Harrison Bader, Dylan Carlson and Lars Nootbaar. After the lockout, they’re reportedly going to be focused on upgrading in the bullpen, though the addition of the DH to the NL could make them more interested in another bat.
- Cubs — Bringing Bryant back to Wrigley would be a lot of fun, but doesn’t seem likely. The club seems to be eschewing lengthy commitments for the short-term. They did make the surprising add of Marcus Stroman, though his deal is only for a maximum of three years and could be even less if he opts out.
- Marlins — The Marlins are looking for outfield help but it’s hard to see them putting enough cash on the barrel for Bryant. The $53MM guarantee given to Avisail Garcia was the largest of the Bruce Sherman/Derek Jeter era. A few days later, they broke that record with Sandy Alcantara’s $56MM extension. With Bryant likely to get more than both of those combined, it’s hard to see the Marlins winning the bidding.
- Nationals — All signs points to the Nats taking a step back in 2022 and giving playing time to younger, cheaper players. After last year’s fire sale, they have lots of payroll space and could theoretically use it on a big signing like Bryant, though it seems like they’ll be holding their cash for at least a year.
- Tigers — The Tigers have been aggressive so far but may have already made their big moves with Javier Baez and Eduardo Rodriguez. Another huge contract would be a surprise, though a Bryant-Baez reunion would certainly be a fun one.
- Twins — The Twins have to do something if they want to bounce back from a nightmare season and compete again in 2022. But they already have a strong lineup and have heavy lifting to do in the rotation.
- White Sox — The White Sox have their biggest need at second base, making Bryant an imperfect fit. They also ran a franchise record payroll of $129MM in 2021 and are currently slated to demolish that with a projected Opening Day payroll of $180MM for 2022. Adding Bryant into the mix would be a surprise.
Which landing spot makes the most sense to you? Which jersey do you think Bryant will be wearing in 2022?
(poll link for app users)
The Long Island Ducks
LOL. Fun little fact about the Long Island Ducks. John Rocker was always very arrogantly vocal about the fact he “would retire before he ever played for a New York team.” The last team he ever played for? The Long Island Ducks. I feel like they just signed him to make him eat crow. He got released after an altercation with a fan where he was bragging about being “a millionaire.”
In all honesty I don’t think Kris Bryant is worth $160 million. Like they said, that’s Freddie Freeman money. Bryant may be younger but he is no Freddie Freeman. I personally don’t see Bryant as even a $100 million player at this stage. They would be paying him for his past accomplishments knowing he will never play like that again. Some team might be willing to pay him that but I think they will regret it within 2 or 3 years.
METS
Phillies make the most sense. LF is wide open. 3B is iffy with Bohm not a slam dunk to repeat his rookie numbers. CF is a possibility, though no the best use of Bryant. If the NL gets the DH, 1B would be a possibility since Bryant is a better fielder than Hoskins (Move him to DH). If Harper can play CF, and I believe he’s capable, then Bryant is a nice fit in RF.
All in all, the perfect fit. Plus, the offensive nucleus of this team isn’t young. If that group is ever gonna win, they had better do it this year or next.
Harper played CF in Washington and it didn’t go well. He’s a corner outfielder and the Phillies aren’t going to mess with the tremendous results they got out of Harper so far. I wouldn’t mind Bryant as a corner outfielder/3B, but the Phillies have any desire to compete, they need a real CF.
Harper will not be playing cf.
This is the right answer. Bryant has only been getting worse since he got called up. If I was a GM I would say no thanks. He is only a couple years away from being a bench player. 2015: ROY 2016: MVP 2017: Good year 2018: Average Year 2019: Good Year 2020: Terrible Year 2021: Good Year. Just look at the stats, on average he is on the decline and not getting any younger
$160 million is laughable. Hoyer knows what he’s doing.
I think 4/$80 million is about what teams should be willing to pay him. He might be worth about $20 million a year for the next 4 years. In a day and age where better players are getting locked up earlier for less money (like Acuna at 10/$100 million and Albies at 9/$35 million) why would anyone want to overpay for a guy on decline and pay him 60% more than Acuna when he’s not even half the player? I get those early contracts are more the exception but if you have that kind of money why spend it on Bryant when you can use it to extend your next young star and then spend the other $60 million to sign someone like Kyle Schwarber? No way Bryant is worth as much as Kyle Schwarber plus an extension of a great young player most teams have in the farm system. Why pay him like he is worth that?
I think you’re flat out wrong, he’s gonna get nine figures but I think it’s closer to 5/100 or 6/120.
I was thinking the exact same thing. I’d go 5/100.
I’m sure he’s going to get 9 figures. I just don’t think he’s going to be worth it. I’m glad to see based on the replies I’m not the only one who thinks $160 million is too high. It sounds like you guys value him about the same as me as a $20 million salary player. He will get at least 5/100 and 6/120 is probably more likely. I think some team will probably offer him 5/115 or 6/138. 6/138 is definitely too much to pay for Bryant though. Some owner might make that mistake but he won’t be worth that. Considering 6/138 looks like a clear mistake I don’t understand how anyone values him at 160. Are they projecting 7/160 or something? I don’t know why anyone would want a 36 year old Kris Bryant making over $22 million a year in their team. The team might be better off upping the AAV to something like 3/90 if they really need him but don’t want to commit to Bryant as a long term franchise player. I wonder what Bryant would make if his MVP season never happened. Considering teams are paying for the future and not the past on top of the fact he’s never going to do that again I think it’s an interesting question. I don’t know why anyone would want to pay him for an MVP he won for a different team.
I wonder if being a multi-positional guy is actually hurting Bryant. His D has been bad for his last 3 full seasons after being average to good for 3 years.
Could be the shoulder as well but not every guy who can play multiple positions necessarily should do so regularly.
The fact that the Pirates and Diamondbacks got votes to sign Kris Bryant made me laugh!
I think Jerry Dipoto will get this guy signed for the Mariners at the first opportunity, if this ridiculous lockout ever ends.
Doubt it. Think they’ll trade for a cheaper, better defensive 3B and save their money for a big pitching splash at the deadline if they’re in it. I don’t think the M’s brass really believes they’re that close.
Why would they save their money for a trade in which they’d be trading prospects as well as taking on money? They’re not taking on anything if they aren’t competitive into July to begin with. The Mariners brass know they’re “that close” by giving Ray a bunch of money to begin with, and then continue to toy with a pursuit of Bryant or Story.
Everything in our local media suggests the M’s believe they’re close. Julio Rodriguez, George Kirby, Matt Brash, and Brandon Williamson (and maybe even Levi Stoudt) are all top 10 prospects who should debut this season.
On top of that, Dipoto signed Ray and was in on Semien. He’s stated on local radio multiple times that he’s interested in versatile players who fit the “control the zone” mantra going forward and name-dropped Semien and Bryant as ones he would be interested in. I can’t remember if he also name-dropped Story or just suggested they’ve always liked him, but regardless, I don’t see why he would be discussing these FAs on public radio for thousands of fans to hear if he wasn’t interested in acquiring somebody.
I see no reason to believe what you’re saying is true, seamaholic2.
Nah. They’d be entertaining trades for their top prospects if they thought they were that close (and we all know what the advanced stats from last year say … they aren’t close and likely to take a step back this year). Julio, Kirby, and the rest won’t be top contributors for another year or two, and that’s their real window. Maybe Bryant fits that, but he’ll be in his 30’s. I bet they wait and see how things go, and if it’s all lights green they make a deal for one of the Marlins guys or something.
@ my account
M’s had interest in Semien, but they were never in on Semien. He had no interest or contact with Seattle.
“Julio, Kirby, and the rest won’t be top contributors for another year or two”
I’m glad you can forecast the future. Tell us who wins the 2022 World Series, please. I’d like to wager some money.
For what it’s worth, I think you’re wrong on Kirby. He could easily win the SP5 job and come in dominating. His spin rate is up and he’s topping out at 102, but his walk rate still remains virtually unchanged.
“(and we all know what the advanced stats from last year say … they aren’t close and likely to take a step back this year”
The advanced stats were so bad because the Astros absolutely had the Mariners’ number. Seattle actually had a positive run differential if you take the Astros out of the equation.
@ Biff – Source? I saw the opposite. He was interested in “west coast teams” and did indeed have contact with the Mariners, according to Passan, but the Mariners balked at more than 5 years for him.
close to a positive run differential* I think it was -15 or so without Houston.
The addition of Frazier and Toro more than makes up the -15 differential. Kelenic will hit this year, too. Now they just need to replace the production they got from Kyle Seager last year.
You can’t just take the games vs. the best team in their division out of the equation…
And if you expect a rookie pitcher to come in and be a top contributor, good luck with that. Even if he did come up and pitch well, he’s not likely to pitch a full seasons’ worth of innings, making that top contributor title even more unlikely.
No one is saying to take those games out, it’s about how pythagorean weighs them, obviously. The Mariners were “supposed” to be 76-86 or whatever because of run differential, but their run differential was skewed by 15-1, 14-2, and 11-3 losses to Houston (when the M’s went 8-11 against them on the season). So my point is they’re not as far behind as the analytics show because analytics don’t take things like this into account. Get it now?
What Kyle seager production? Literal league average?
I see the Mariners picking him up. They’re all in. Between the money they have to spend on FA and the players coming up they won’t wait to see if they are in it at the deadline. They will be all in now.They need an offensive third baseman, not just one who can play defense. If that was the goal just stick Moore over there. I do think they will sign another bat in Bryant or Story and another starting pitcher.
There isn’t another starting pitcher to sign, unless you believe in Carlos Rodon. They’re very obviously not all in, based on the first half of the off-season. They’d have completed at least one prospects-for-veteran deal if they were. Especially with a guy like DiPoto at the controls.
Exactly. Cashman seems to chase players that play multiple positions fairly well and even though he is RH I think the Yankees are the team. The Mets are making Hal look like a penny pinching cheapskate (which he is). The Yankees worrying about the tax is laughable. They only get taxed on contracts that go over the limit. With them routinely having $50m in contracts on the IL worrying about another $10m-$20m in tax is foolish. Hal either needs to step up or sell the team. Signing Bryant and shipping Gio to the Mariners looks like an upgrade. DJ to first and playing 3rd when Bryant plays the OF. I think Voit stays for 1 more year. He isn’t an exciting player and it’s doubtful many teams will give much for him. They have too many injuries to just give him away. Trading Torres for a meh #3/solid #4 starter and keeping Gio wouldn’t surprise me either. They have to own the off-season after the lockout ends or they will quickly become the 2nd team in NY. Especially if they continue crying poverty while charging what they do fir tickets and at the stadium. If Torres can play some center, Bryant makes even more sense. I just don’t see any other big name free agents that fit the Yankees mold other than Bryant. No way they sign Correa or Story with all of their SS prospects.
I’m with you Fred. I just hope it’s Story, not Bryant.
He just signed with the Eagles to put a baseball bat to the “referees”.
Should be Hurts’ knees. Dude plays dumb
Look, the Eagles had virtually zero chance of winning, so the “referees” didn’t need to do anything to guarantee that it wouldn’t happen.
Meanwhile, later on, the “referees” did virtually everything in their power to give the cowboys a chance to win but thankfully they still screwed it up. The image of the ref charging through the line to put the ball in the right place while dallas tries to play pickup playground football should be forever hung in a museum.
Are we getting a repeat of Mahomes and Brady
Referees had 1 really terrible roughing the passer call that lead to a TB touchdown, but the Eagles had no business being in the playoffs. Them getting cremated had nothing to do with the refs.
With the number of games that horrible players lined up in LF for the Dodgers last year, I’ve thought a lot about Bryant being a speculative fit in LA. They will still be adding pitching, undoubtedly, but they lost Seager, and there were many times last year where the offense was already subpar (i.e., when Seager was out of the lineup). Muncy being able to play 2nd makes it plausible
Agreed, Bryant actually makes some sense for the Dodgers, especially if the plan is to use J. Turner at 1B some days, and as DH if that happens. I don’t see them anteing up for him though.
I agree I do not see them bidding anywhere near 150M+ if that is where the market goes. But if he hovers at the 120M-130M range, I could see LA still being involved.
The reality is, there’s a lot of talent still on the market that should get decent to fantastic money. Teams could be bidding like crazy, or they could slow play the market after the lockout. Someone could get some bargains. And some guys will probably get some dumb contracts post lockout. But we’ll see
I think this FO runs the team like an investment bank, everything has a value, and therefore a potential surplus value, but they are comfortable walking away at a certain level. We’ve seen it play out over and over with them in FA pursuits. I expect them to add some significant talent once the lockout ends in some manner
I wonder if teams can talk to players during the lockout, just not sign them. Either way when it ends (and I’m not confident it will in time to rescue a complete season) a land rush is likely. The first priority for the Dodgers is to sign Kershaw. How much salary space they have left over remains to be seen.
Too much like an investment bank, if you ask me.
Muncy can’t be relied upon due to his elbow injury
No one will sign him cause there is no season at this point
Obviously the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Phillies
Pirates
@Highest IQ
Rabbit season!
Royals
An obvious joke, but if a floor is created in the lockout the Guardians, Pirates and Orioles have to spend money somewhere.
@indiansjoe and if the NL gets the DH too. I can see Bryant being a full time DH guy. He’s a defensive liability to any team. Not many big market teams will be looking to add a DH. Yankees have their own options, Red Sox have their DH, Angels have Ohanti, Dodgers have many options, Mets could use him but they have enough money going out, and other big market clubs may stick within. Most teams are looking for pitching and like to put 80 million toward that over Bryant. Rays seem logical team that can use a DH. Pirates need everything and doubt Bryant will want to sign a contract to play with a non contender. Rays are going to be in the playoffs in one way or another. If not the Rays, Brewers (DH added to NL) could be the other alternative.
This is such a Rockies signing
Totally. They’ve loved him forever. Were gonna draft him (they were the slot after the Cubs), and their GM at the time said they had him higher than any draft prospect in their history.
Rockies would be a perfect fit if he want to pad his numbers but the Padres seem more likely seeing they would be close to where he went to College…
How much are the Padres gonna pay for him to play LF?
Chaim Bloom loves versatile players like him and suits our needs for a right handed bat. He’d be a great fit in Boston.
I hope Chaim stays far away from Bryant. His “versatility” is overrated – he’s quite a poor defender in the outfield. And while the bat is still good, it’s no longer elite, and I’d only want it on a 9-figure deal if he’s playing third – and there’s no room for him there in Boston. The Sox should go all-in on Suzuki, and only consider Bryant as a backup plan
Yea, Bryant’s versatility is the most overplayed hand in history. His value is as a third baseman, the fact that he can pass as an outfielder adds very little to it.
He is not really very good at any position.
Bryant goes to third base after ‘22. JD is off the books and Devers is our DH. Until then Bryant plays LF in Fenway and some first and third base.
He’d be the best hitter on the Red Sox.
Not better than Devers. And probably not better than Xander. As a hitter, maybe comparable to JD, depending on whether either declines next year (age).
seamaholic you’re full of bad takes today perhaps you should stick to alcohol
not close
What @roiste said, but replace Sox with Giants. He’s not a $100 million player, and he’s really terrible in the outfield.
I like how the Pirates show up higher than the Cardinals.
Phillies will overpay and he will regress.
I’m not sure how the Angels are a ‘known interest’. If any team is less of a fit, with Rendon, 4 outfielders, a 1B, and a DH, I’d love to hear it.
And, no, Urias would not make a super UIF, any more than Trout would make a good #4 OF
Whoever signs him will regret it. This will be an Anthony Rendon 2.0 signing
How can you say that without any idea of the contract he’ll receive.
Really want the Yankees to sign him so we can see the complete 180° in the comments.
The Mets gave Lindor 341mm and he’s not even that great of a player
Bryant isn’t even as good now as Rendon was when he got his contract.
Regardless of his performance I can see him hitting the IL regularly from here on out. Bryant is a Fred Lynn type – awesome when he’s on the field, but you better have an above replacement backup plan to play those weeks or months he’s nursing some kinda injury.
Huh? Bryant doesn’t have a particularly bad injury history. You thinking of someone else?
I’m sure there are 30 teams out there who would pay whatever they can scrap up including the owners’ kids’ college funds if they could get Fred Lynn.
Bryant, some could argue, is a glorified Josh Donaldson
Donaldsons was better and it’s not close. Far superior defensive player. After watching Bryant play third for the Giants he’s a corner outfielder who can fake third. Anybody giving this guy 150m will regret it. He could still be a 120-130 ops+ hitter and that has value. But I think he’s a outfield/1b guy now.
The Rendon deal might end up comparing favorably
The disrespect to Rendon is nuts. He was great in 2020 and was hurt last year. Fully expect him to have an elite 2022.
If Bryant signs anywhere but SEA I’ll be surprised. Too many big market teams are tapped out or don’t have a need. Really not a good year for him to be a FA. A year from now I could easily see him in a Dodgers uniform, but not now especially since their rotation is easily their biggest need.
Phillies?
I mean, there’s a whole list of teams in this very article that you’re commenting on. Why would the Mariners be more likely than any of those, including the half dozen that have already been connected to him? They all have the money.
Hard to see Jerry Dipoto committing the kind of years and dollars needed to sign Bryant. They don’t need corner outfielders and they only need a stopgap for 3B with Noelvi Marte coming up fast (2024 ETA). Not to mention the elite 3B free agency class for 2024.
I agree. Bryant does nothing to fill the backup SS role. Crawford needs a rest occasionally. They cannot keep Dylan Moore on the roster for that. Trevor Story is the only option that plays SS. There are better options in the outfield than Bryant and at 3B/SS too. I see Bryant going to the Phillies.
Story makes a lot more sense. They could feasibly use him at 3B this year, then move him to 2B next year (if necessary) and occasionally spell Crawford. A number of different scenarios could play out with him addressing a need, but signing him could prove to be a challenge as well. Would Seattle go 7-8 years? I could easily see Houston, LAD, and a few others being interested and outbidding Seattle.
Dylan Moore is probably a lot better than the numbers suggest. Same goes for Jake Fraley (at the plate). I think they’re ideal bench depth. Moore had an incredibly lousy BABIP, but something he did really well was offer solid PAs. I believe Jake and Dylan led the team in P/PA. Moore’s excellent defense and positional flexibility also makes him an asset. He simply isn’t a regular. Neither is Fraley. When Jerry said he thinks they know who their bench players are, I think those two were on his mind.
Matt Chapman makes the most sense for Seattle, in my opinion. With two years of control, he would bridge the gap to Marte well and an extension would of course be possible if they wanted to use Marte elsewhere (like SS).
If they are going to do Chapman for two years to bridge the gap I question why they didn’t just re-sign Kyle Seager to bridge the gap.. As loaded as the farm is I have a hard time bringing in any veteran on a long term deal. Two years from now we are going to be struggling to put everyone on the 40 man roster and keep them from being Rule 5 casualties.
Because Seager was declining big-time. He was at the point where he was selling out for power and that simply wasn’t/isn’t going to cut it.
The 40 is going to get tight real fast, but it’s mostly relief pitchers that would get the squeeze, and a trade could help clear out some of the excess in the upper-minors and/or on the 40.
I’d love to see Seattle struggling to figure out who stays and who goes. Not there yet.
If we are going to pay a LT contract to a veteran I would rather do Freddie Freeman at 6/160 than anybody else. Here’s an idea. We play FF at 3B. His numbers suggest he is better at it than Ty France and he throws right handed. Toro can be the utility guy backing up everybody on the dirt. Story has never played the hot corner. With France and Freeman we wouldn’t need Evan White.
When was the last time FF played third
16 appearances in 2017
When was the last time Trevor Story played 3B? 2015 in AAA. Good athletes can move around.
Rangers. I’ve never been wrong today
Phillies Mariners. One of the two. He will have an opt out or two in the contract as it will be for way less than he wants. 7/150. He will never opt out.
Completely agree – it’s one of those two. Phillies could fill pitching needs with trading Bohm. Mets and Angels could be dark horses – Mets because they’re throwing money all over the place and the Angels because they’re the Angels.
the Phillies dont need pitching enough to trade Bohm for it. If he moves at all it’s for an OF.
In my dream scenario Adell is traded for a shortstop or pitcher and Bryant is added to this lineup.
Marsh, Trout, Ohtani, Rendon, Bryant, Stassi, Walsh, SS, Fletcher is ridiculous.
Emphasis on dream scenario.
Would be one of the best teams to finish third in their division for sure
Kris Bryant is one of the best dudes in MLB. Class act. But if the Angels sign him, then I’ll start the petition now for Arte Moreno to sell the team and use the money to buy 50 buildings that used to be insane asylums.
The Mariners need a lefty bat that can thump , not another righty. That’s why I’m hoping Freeman will fall thru the seams and Jerry reels him in.
I’d like to see Freeman on the Mariners. Good fit.
That would be the best scenario. It requires Toro backup Crawford. Toro is a good defender. If he can play SS his value really goes up. He played SS in AAA for 10 innings last year.
Toro doesn’t play SS. Moore and Walton are their current SS alternatives on the 40 and SS is a position they’re going to take seriously. It’s too important for a team that hasn’t made the postseason in 20 years and is legitimately trying to change that.
It’s easy to look at power-bats and think of a way to make them fit, but 1B really isn’t a place Seattle needs to add. The OF corners aren’t a need, either.
Ty France has the gig at first, Evan White is still very much in the conversation, though he’ll start the season in AAA.
Dylan Moore only played 4 games at SS last year. That is about all we need out of Toro (4-10 games). Toro played SS in AAA last year. Moore can play in AAA and be ready if we need him. He has 3 options.
3B is where we need to add but most of the power bats are at 1B. We can make it fit.
They’re not likely going to option Moore and Toro isn’t likely going to play any SS. Even for just a handful of games (which says more about JP’s durability being solid), it’s risk a contending team doesn’t take. Virtually every contender has a solid backup for SS. It’s the most important position on the field. Jerry specifically said they’ll give Toro a look in LF this spring, in addition to some time at 2B and 3B. Said nothing about SS and there’s no reason to think that’s a consideration.
If they moved France to 2B or 3B, for example, they would be weakening the infield defense. France and JP are the only two real locks they have in the infield. They already have a defensive issue in the outfield.
I wouldn’t anticipate a first baseman or corner outfielder being signed unless they failed to add an impact bat for CF and/or 3B.
That’s really not a concern. They need to get better, and if it’s right-handed power that can hit RHPs, so be it. They especially don’t need a first baseman.
Toronto had one of the best offenses in baseball with less LHHs.
I know we have France and he’s terrific but if a guy like Freeman falls into your lap, I don’t see how you can say No. I believe he can be a difference maker and he won’t cost prospects. Move France to third, I am sure he would be cool with it.
With Jerry already citing Feance and their first baseman, I just don’t see them being players for Freeman. I think defense is a large part of it as well. With such bad OF defense, they can’t afford to sacrifice anything in the infield.
If there is a surprise, or unexpected name, I think it would come via trade.
*France as.
Freddie Freeman will resign with Braves and be a career Brave. Count on it.
KB belongs on the north side. Sign with the Cubs, rake at Wrigley, get another ring and punch your ticket to Cooperstown.
Kris Bryant will be a worm feast the next time the Cubs win anything.
D-Backs or Orioles.
Hopefully not the Jays.
I picked Mariners, seems to be the favorite. Mets were also my second choice.
Defiantly a AL East player in the future, Red Sox, Jays, Orioles.
The Giants already left the room
IMO if the Phillies get someone like Bryant, Story, Correa, Castellanos, etc its if they sit and have to take a shorter deal. I dont think team finances lend well to them signing any of them to big contracts.
DarkSide, at this point, it is hard to see the Phillies scratching out a major FA contract. The only thing that could change that is what Dombrowski said about getting a big bat for the middle of the lineup. That bat is not in house..This team has so many needs (SS, LF, and CF) it begs for money to be spread around… Time will tell..Maybe John Middleton lets Dave do his thing…
Cubs on a short term pillow contract. I don’t think any team will meet his asking price, and Hoyer will swoop in with a 4/100 with opt out after two.
Well, it is my dream anyway. Not as important as MLK’s, but is seems an appropriate time for a dream.
Instead of committing a long, expensive contract for Kris Bryant the Seattle Mariners should pursue his former long-time teammate, Anthony Rizzo.
Seattle’s Ty France would move to third base to make room for Rizzo, a four-time Gold Glove winner at first base.
Rizzo is two-and-a-half years older than Bryant but should require a contract about three years shorter than the contract Bryant may command. MLB Trade Rumors projects a six-year, $160 million contract for Bryant and three-year, $45 million contract for Rizzo.
Steamer projects 2022 WAR of 2.7 in 139 games for Bryant and 2.5 in 138 games for Rizzo. Marcel projects Bryant with a 2022 line of .258/.348/.460/.808 in 533 plate appearances and Rizzo with a 2022 line of .252/.351/.440/.791 in 554 plate appearances.
Rizzo would provide a lefthanded bat to replace Kyle Seager in the Seattle lineup. With France capable at either infield corner, a three-year Rizzo contract should not block the path of highly regarded prospect Noelvi Marte or a questionable development of Evan White.
ZiPS projects Kris Bryant with 2022 WAR of 3.1 and OPS+ of 119 in 590 plate appearances and Anthony Rizzo with 2022 WAR of 2.7 and OPS+ of 123 in 552 plate appearances. Steamer projects Bryant with a 2022 wRC+ of 113 and Rizzo with a 2022 wRC+ of 122.
I’d take both Baez & Bryant for $300 million versus Correa for $350 million any day!! So, I wouldn’t mind the Tigers doing that. Then, they can trade for Sonny Gray or one of those Oakland SPers to slot in up top with E-Rod. In the poll I chose the Phillies though. Bryant & Harper are best friends & Philadelphia still needs 2 OFers and maybe a 3B if Bohm continues to bomb (yuk, yuk, yuk). Seattle or San Francisco a close second.
The Harper/Bryant friendship is overblown. They played against each other as kids, and are friendly, but aren’t really besties.
Likewise Kris Bryant’s friendship with Seattle reliever Paul Sewald.
Bryant and Sewald have been friends since their Little League days in Las Vegas and were college teammates at the University of San Diego:
mlb.com/news/paul-sewald-enjoys-vegas-start-facing…
You’re actually underselling it quite a bit as they hang out and families go on vacations together…etc. But, sort of to your point, absolutely none of that matters. These guys are professionals and I highly doubt a buddy playing on a team really sways them much.
I think some of it depends on where teams view him playing. If you think he is still a viable option at 3B than the Mariners, Phillies, Rockies, and maybe Blue Jays make sense. If you view him as an Outfielder who can occasionally play 3B than the Giants or Rangers make sense.
If he wants to not have a set position there is the Dodgers but i don’t know how much Bryant would like being benched for LH hitters because the Dodgers hopelessly have to play the platoons.
The Red Sox were mentioned but i seriously don’t see Bloom spending $160+ million on anyone
Nationals
Anyone except for the White Sox
Signing him and moving him to 2nd seems like the White Sox style.
That’s not as far-fetched as you might suggest. The organization already began experimenting with 3B Jake Burger at 2B late last season after the Nick Madrigal trade and with Yoan Moncada entrenched at the hot corner. They also informed Burger to expedite his reps at 2B this offseason and expect to continue that process when spring training finally commences following the lockout.
The organization has famously done similar transitions in the recent past that include moving Moncada off of 2B to 3B. They have more recently provided career first baseman Andrew Vaughn and Gavin Sheets crash course lessons as corner OF’s with last season’s slew of injuries out on the grass and with Jose Abreu locked in at 1B.
Someone will overpay for Bryant; just say NO Seattle.
He’s not worth $25M/yr. Maybe @ $20 per
bryant is a perfect fit in Detroit. they can play him everyday between Lf, Rf, 3b, 1b, dh. all things he’s used to doing. Baez must of at least mentioned it to Detroit brass.
I voted for the Padres from among the ‘Teams With Known Interest’. My personal ‘Long Shot’ pick is the White Sox.
I hope it’s not the Mets. That has disaster written all over it. Just sign Nelson Cruz as a DH for a year and put the left over money into pitching.
Everyone I know in San Fran loves him. Why not stay?
Some how the Padres manage to sign him. He’d be only a 6 hour drive from LV. He’s familiar with SD.
They’d have to find someone to bite on taking Hosmer. Maybe a 2 bad contract for one deal. Hosmer and Myers and cash for prospects.
6/132
Seattle Same years just 8mil more total. 6/140. It’s only 1.33mil more a year.
Hosmer and Myers and cash for prospects? That’d have to be a lot of cash. More realistic would be Hosmer and Myers and cash and prospects for nothing.
I couldnt stop laughing reading that you think Bryant is going to get the same kind of contract Freeman will….thanks for that
Bryant has a shot at a couple of career milestones in 2022.
First, he’s 86 hits shy of 1,000.
Second, and this one is going to be more difficult to reach this season, he needs 33 home runs for 200.
If Bryant wants 160, I can understand why Freeman wants 200.