That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: 5 options to play at third base in 2020

By David Esser

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals at bat against the Chicago White Sox at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals at bat against the Chicago White Sox at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 29: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the New York Mets during a game at Citi Field on August 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 29: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the New York Mets during a game at Citi Field on August 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Blockbuster Trade: Kris Bryant

Trade rumors have swirled around Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant for just over a year now. After a disappointing 2018 season which was plagued with injuries and a Cubs team which massively underperformed this past season, it should come as no surprise that the Chicago front office is officially listening to offers.

Bryant is still a really good player don’t get me wrong. In 2019 he was selected to his third career  All-Star game, hit 31 homers, drove in 77 runs, and recorded an OPS of .903. His consistent play at third base this season is one of the major reasons the Cubs hung around the playoff picture for so long.

However, the Cubs have some tough decisions to make in the near future. With Cole Hamels likely leaving this winter and Yu Darvish seemingly beyond fixing, their need for pitching this offseason is through the roof. With a plethora of ace-caliber talent available on the market, Chicago could look to spend some serious cash on their rotation.

With that in mind, Javier Baez and Bryant are BOTH due for new contracts following the 2020 MLB. With the Cubs most likely investing heavily in pitching this current offseason, the general mindset is that they’ll have to choose between Baez or Bryant when it comes to handing out a huge new extension in 2020.

Enter Philadelphia. Not only do the Phillies desperately need a new third baseman, but they have a few positive links to Bryant. First, Harper and Bryant are extremely good friends. Second, Scott Boras is also Bryant’s agent, so it’s likely Boras himself could push for a trade to Philly knowing he could get his client a fat new extension with the Philly front office.

Above all else, Bryant is simply a superstar. A former MVP, Rookie of the Year, and World Champion (2016). The Phillies front office has shown willingness to pull the trigger on big time trades before (see JT Realmuto and Jean Segura), and this could be the biggest of them all.

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