Kris Bryant trade rumors: Mets, Blue Jays favorites to land Cubs star?

An anonymous executive believes Kris Bryant will be traded to either the New York Mets or Toronto Blue Jays.

The Chicago Cubs have let it be known they are looking to take money off the books and showed their hand this winter by trading ace Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres. Even with the freed-up funds, the Cubs are unlikely to sign all three of Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo next offseason. Bryant has been the subject to trade rumors over the years, and the buzz continues prior to Spring Training. So where could Bryant end up?

ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted on Monday that he spoke to an anonymous club executive not involved in Bryant trade talks and asked where the third baseman could end up. The executive’s answers were the New York Mets or Toronto Blue Jays.

Both clubs have been eying infielders

It shouldn’t come as a shock that both of these organizations are linked to Bryant, because they are two of the most active teams this Hot Stove season not named the Padres.

After making it to the postseason, the Blue Jays wanted to bolster their chances of making a repeat trip, albeit a longer one, in 2021. Toronto reportedly offered New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu a four-year, $78 million contract but lost out on their rival’s six-year, $90 million offer. So, the Blue Jays used their money to sign former Houston Astros outfielder George Springer to a six-year, $150 million contract.

Toronto does have a loaded infield, but that won’t stop them from adding a former NL MVP. In fact, there has been talk of the Blue Jays discussing a trade with the Cubs involving Bryant and pitcher Kyle Hendricks!

As for the Mets, they lost out on Springer to the Blue Jays, but they did make a huge splash this offseason in acquiring superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor from the Cleveland Indians. The Mets have been linked to Bryant prior to this tidbit from Olney, as they reportedly had trade talks with the Cubs recently.

Bryant is scheduled to make $19.5 million this season before hitting free agency next winter. The third baseman is coming off a down, injury-riddled season with the Cubs in 2020. Through 34 games, Bryant slashed .206/.293/.351 while recording four home runs and 11 RBI.

While the Blue Jays and Mets were identified as likely landing spots for Bryant, it’s unknown if or when a trade will actually come to fruition. The power lies in the hands of the Cubs.