The New York Mets are in on the sweepstakes for Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs. Let’s face it, the New York Mets AND the rest of baseball is in on the Kris Bryant sweepstakes. But should the Mets pull the trigger on a trade for the former World Series champion and former NL MVP?
Space is Already Tight on the Roster
Jed Lowrie is coming back from injury. Then you got JD Davis and Jeff McNeil also duking it out for the spot at third base. Lowrie is expected to get enough reps in Spring Training to be the starting third baseman next year, meaning you have to figure out where to find playing time for McNeil and Davis, both offensive forces in the lineup last season. Davis and McNeil will undoubtedly find time at other positions, as they did last season as well. But will you trade Bryant just to have him, platoon, with the older Lowrie?
The Mets Won’t Make the Trade Based on Marte Trade
The Cubs will make offers similar to what the Pirates asked for Marte. Bryant has better numbers and a better future than Marte does. Marte is on the wrong side of 30, and Bryant is just entering his prime as a player. Trading away key players like McNeil and Davis for Bryant, on top of prospects, just to make room for Bryant, is a terrible gamble for the Mets to make. Bryant is the third baseman by trade, who the Cubs have given starts to in the outfield. The only sensible thing for the Mets to do would be to start the man at third. Should injury befall the Mets at places McNeil and Davis could fill in, and they trade both for Bryant, then the Mets have shot themselves in the foot.
I, honestly, would pass on Bryant for now until next season. And I think Van Wagenen will do the same as well.