With the free-falling Cubs reportedly entering sell mode ahead of the trade deadline, could Kris Bryant be dealt to the Mets for real this time?
Back in February, Chicago’s third baseman told reporters he had received a text from an unknown Connecticut number welcoming him to the Mets, an uneasy sight for Bryant, who had been in the middle of several trade rumors. It wound up not being true, but it could become Bryant’s reality now that the Cubs are looking to sell and reportedly sending scouts to Mets minor league affiliates.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, not only is Chicago looking to unload some of its established talent after losing 12 of its last 13 games, but a team scout was recently spotted at a St. Lucie Mets game, New York’s Low-A affiliate, once again firing up the hot stove for a potential trade between the two teams.
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The Mets expect third baseman J.D. Davis back after the All-Star break, but acting general manager Zack Scott told reporters earlier this week that the team would still look to make upgrades wherever possible, including the hot corner. Bryant, recently selected to his fourth All-Star team, would certainly qualify as an upgrade, heading into the weekend with 16 home runs, a 1.9 WAR and an .847 OPS.
But Bryant’s defensive versatility also makes him an attractive commodity for the Mets, as he has made multiple starts at third, first, and all three outfield positions this season.
The Mets are in first place and will clearly be buyers at the deadline, and a piece they had been linked to since last winter may now be available, and it appears the Cubs are starting to do their homework if trade talks with New York start to heat up.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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