REPORT: Cubs, Giants have discussed potential Kris Bryant trade |
CHICAGO — The July 30 trade deadline is right around the corner, and several teams have reportedly inquired about trading for star Chicago Cubs third baseman
Kris Bryant. MLB insider Jon Morosi reported on Tuesday that the San Francisco Giants are one of those teams, with the team currently boasting MLB's best record perhaps looking to fill the void left behind by starting third baseman Evan Longoria's long-term, injury-related absence.
Longoria, who suffered a shoulder injury against the Cubs in early June, was recently transferred to the 60-day injured list but is expected to return to action in August. However, Bryant has proven this season to be capable of playing a variety of defensive positions at a high level, meaning that he could serve as an everyday outfielder for the Giants. As for the Cubs, Morosi reported that they are interested in acquiring promising prospect Joey Bart, a 24-year-old catcher who has shown out in Triple-A ball this year. Bart is rated as the No. 22 prospect in all of baseball and could be viewed by Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer as a potential future replacement for Willson Contreras behind the plate. Bart, the former No. 2 overall pick, likely would be available only in a deal that involves players in addition to Bryant, a free agent after this year. Bryant would have great value to the Giants, with whom he could play 1B, 3B, and LF. @MLBNetwork @MLB As of now, the Giants sit in first place atop the National League West standings and are assuredly not the only club that views Bryant as a likely difference maker in the 2021 World Series push. Based on Morosi and other MLB reporters' recent trade rumors surrounding Bryant, who is set to hit free agency in the offseason, it is difficult to imagine a scenario in which the former MVP is still wearing a Cubs uniform come Friday night, as a Bryant-centric trade seems imminent.
