MLB insider says this free-agent signing should be Phillies’ first post-lockout transaction

Should Kris Bryant be the Phillies’ first priority when the lockout ends?

Until last season, Bryant had spent his entire career with the Chicago Cubs, who drafted him as the second overall pick in the 2013 June Draft. He debuted in 2015 and won NL Rookie of the Year, followed by an NL MVP season in 2016, as he helped the Cubs win their first World Series in over a century.

Over seven big-league seasons, he’s a .278/.376/.504 hitter with a .880 OPS, and averages 37 doubles and 31 home runs per 162 games.

Defensively, he’s made 32 appearances at first, 678 at third, two at shortstop, 159 in left field, 29 in center, and 109 in right. He’s also DH-ed seven times, which is now relevant, as the National League will have the DH going forward.

Bryant is also a four-time All-Star but is neither a Gold Glove defender nor is he a Silver Slugger, if you want to judge him on accolades. I’m more interested in what he has that almost no Phillies on the current roster do: extensive postseason experience, 44 games’ worth over 11 series, to be exact.