Philadelphia Phillies: What could a Kris Bryant trade look like?

With his value at an all time low, what would it take for the Philadelphia Phillies to land Kris Bryant?

While the Philadelphia Phillies currently do not know who will be building their roster for the long term, it is still fun to think about potential ideas to improve the roster. Coming off a career worst season, along with the fact he only has one year remaining on his deal before hitting free agency, Kris Bryant‘s value is at an all time low. Wouldn’t it be something if the Phils could strike a deal to land him in red pinstripes?

My good friend and co-worker David Esser dove into this topic a bit when he looked into the idea of bringing Theo Epstein to Philadelphia to call the shots. The Bryant-Epstein connection is certainly intriguing, and you figure bringing Theo here would only increase the likelihood of swinging a deal for Kris Bryant.

However, that is not the only link to the Philadelphia Phillies that the former National League MVP currently has. Nope, that would be his close friendship with the current franchise player for the Phils, Bryce Harper. This connection goes way back, as both of these guys are from Las Vegas and have been friends for a long time. Rumor has it that they have discussed the idea of teaming up before, and the fact that Bryce is in Philadelphia for ELEVEN more seasons, you would think if that were to happen, it would be right here in the City of Brotherly Love.

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Now let’s talk what it would potentially take to bring Kris Bryant to the Philadelphia Phillies. Well as mentioned already, Bryant’s value is at an all time low as he is coming off an abysmal season. Only appearing in 34 games for the Cubs, he managed to slash .206/.293/.644 with only four home runs and eleven runs batted in. Certainly a significant fall from grace, as entering this weird version of a 2020 MLB season, Bryant’s career line was .284/.385/.901 along with averaging 32 home runs and 93 runs batted in per 162 games.

Considering the ridiculous season that just played out, in the current COVID-19 landscape we are living in, and I am more inclined to believe Bryant is more of the player he was between 2015-2019 than he was for 34 games this past season.

In terms of what it could take going back to Chicago in a deal for Kris Bryant, the best thing is this could probably get done without having to include Spencer Howard or Alec Bohm. Before I proceed any further, there is no chance I would part with either one of those players in a deal for Bryant; especially Bohm. This is a change of tune for me, as entering 2020 I held the stance that I would deal Bohm for Bryant in a heartbeat. However after watching Bohm play in 2020, there is no chance I am dealing him; especially for a player with only one year left of team control.

I believe any type of deal would probably begin with Adam Haseley; and would need to include at least two or three of the Philadelphia Phillies top 30 prospects. Could a deal of Haseley, Adonis Medina (5th in system), Rafael Marchan (7th in system), and Jhailyn Ortiz (19th in system) get a deal done? Potentially. Personally, I would do that deal in a heartbeat, but it could take a bit more.

There is even a possibility that the Philadelphia Phillies could center a deal around Rhys Hoskins and marginal prospects. In that situation, you would likely see Alec Bohm shift to first base while Bryant could settle in at the hot corner. I believe this to be a bit more unlikely, but it certainly is something to consider.

The key to a deal in my opinion would be securing a long term commitment from Kris Bryant at the time of the trade. No way do we want to go through another J.T Realmuto situation; especially when sending out prospects who could play a role for the team in the coming years. If you are unable to secure an extension, the Philadelphia Phillies would be better off waiting until Bryant hits the open market next winter and attempting to sign him then.

You would have to think their would be interest on both sides; well, assuming the theory that Harper and Bryant want to team up is real.

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

However things shake out, adding the former MVP and 3x All Star to a lineup that already includes Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm and potentially Rhys Hoskins would be a massive addition for the Philadelphia Phillies. Heck, imagine they are even able to secure an extension with Realmuto. Then the Phils would really be onto something there. It would create one of the best cores in the National League. Even without a GM in place at the moment, a deal for Kris Bryant is something to keep an eye on for Phillies fans.

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