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Philadelphia Phillies: 3 reasons to hand Theo Epstein a blank check

By David Esser

Apr 29, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein on the field before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein on the field before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2019; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) is congratulated after scoring in the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2019; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) is congratulated after scoring in the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Connection to Kris Bryant.

Prior to Alec Bohm’s incredible rookie season, the possibility of him being shipped out for superstar third baseman Kris Bryant was floated around quite frequently. Harper and Bryant grew up playing baseball together, and are still close friends off the field. It’s no secret that the two want to play together one day, and Theo Epstein’s presence in Philadelphia could be the ordeal to facilitate it.

With Theo leading the charge as President, the Phillies could once again push to trade for Bryant. The former MVP is coming off a down 2020 season and he’s set to be a free agent after this upcoming season, meaning his value is at an all-time low. Epstein could likely land him without giving up Bohm or Spencer Howard.

If a trade can’t be agreed upon, Theo and the Phillies could simply wait until the 2021 offseason to target Bryant as a free agent. Harper would likely be recruiting Bryant hard off the field, and a familiar face in the front office would give the 3x All-Star third baseman another incentive to sign with Philadelphia.

The Phillies might target Bryant next year regardless, but having Theo spearhead the pursuit would only make life easier.

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