The New York Mets refuse to call it an offseason after making several additions to their 2021 roster. They brought several crucial free agents – relievers Trevor May and Aaron Loup, catcher James McCann, infielder Jonathan Villar, and outfielder Albert Almora – and were active in the trade market, one that netted them shortstop Francisco Lindor and right-hander Carlos Carrasco.
Yet, the New York Mets know that this is their shot. This is their moment, as they have an amazing offensive core and have managed to put together an impressive rotation, led by Jacob deGrom and with Carlos Carrasco, Marcus Stroman, David Peterson, Noah Syndergaard, and Joey Lucchesi on it.
Now, the Mets are, according to SNY’s Andy Martino, engaged in discussions with the Chicago Cubs about a potential Kris Bryant trade.
The two organizations have already discussed Bryant during the offseason, but talks hit a halt and the clubs spent several weeks without talking about the star third baseman/outfielder.
The Mets have renewed interest in the slugger
NBC Edge explains that there is, apparently, “renewed interest in working out some sort of swap. Of note here is that Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic tweeted earlier this week that the Mets and free agent third baseman Justin Turner were “not matching up on years/dollars.” Bryant is due $19.5 million in 2021, his final year under team control, but Chicago would probably eat some of that money if it were to net them a better return package.”
The Mets don’t have a top-notch farm system, but they do have some pieces that may interest the Cubs. The two teams have been reportedly discussing catcher Francisco Alvarez, and if Bryant lands in Queens, JD Davis would become expendable and sounds like a logical candidate to be included in the return package.
Bryant slumped in 2020, hitting .206/.293/.351 with a .285 and a paltry 77 wRC+, but he suffered some health issues. He is a prime rebound candidate if he is healthy. For his career, he has hit .280/.380/.508 with a 137 wRC+.