Phillies: MLB Insider Expects They’ll Be ‘Aggressive’ at Trade Deadline

Could the Phillies acquire both Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel?

Two of the All-Star-caliber players linked to the Phillies in recent weeks (and arguably years, for some) include infielder/outfielder Kris Bryant and closer Craig Kimbrel — both Chicago Cubs, for now.

Regarding Bryant, in particular, while the Washington Nationals and New York Mets have been looked at as two of the better fits for the four-time All-Star and 2016 National League MVP, Heyman has heard there are “many teams” in on him.

“Beyond third base, he can play the outfield. He loves center, as he said at the All-Star Game,” Heyman continued. “He can play right and left — basically anywhere but short or catcher. [The Phillies] haven’t been great at third this year. This is the year before [Bryant] is a free agent, so I wouldn’t rule the Phillies out as a fit there.”

Phillies fans have made it known on social media that they would love to get both Bryant and Kimbrel, an eight-time All-Star and 2018 World Series champion with Dombrowski and the Red Sox. Heyman said he does not know the feasibility that the now-Phillies executive could get both in a trade, but did not rule out one or the other.

“[Bryant to the Phillies] does make some sense,” Heyman said. “I can’t see them giving up Bohm for a rental, but I think it is possible that they have enough prospects to get it done. To get both, at this point, you’d be talking about some really big prospects going back there for two of the more viable players on the trade market.”