The Mets may be involved with the many trade targets on the Cubs at the July 30 deadline, including All-Star Kris Bryant.
The secret is out, and barring an unforeseen and lengthy winning streak, the Chicago Cubs will be among the sellers at the July 30 trade deadline.
Among Chicago’s biggest trade chips will be former NL Kris Bryant. He’s in the final year of a contract in which he’ll earn $19.5 million in 2021 before hitting the free-agent market this upcoming offseason.
Given the history of super agent Scott Boras’ clients not returning to their team during a free-agent year, it’s more than likely Bryant walks away from Chicago especially given their reluctancy to extend the deal he’s been looking for over the past few seasons.
All that said, the Cubs don’t appear to be a heavy postseason favorite with their recent play. They’ve lost 18 of 24 games, and they might as well get some value for Bryant while they can.
Heading into Friday, Bryant is slashing .268/.349/.847 with 16 home runs and 43 RBIs in 324 plate appearances this season. His numbers have remained solid despite a poor month of June which Bryant managed just a .114 batting average.
At 29-years old, it’s a safe bet to assume Bryant’s best playing days are still ahead of him. His versatility of playing 51 games with just one error across all three outfield spots this season also adds to his value.
MLB rumors: The Mets could once again be interested in Cubs All-Star Kris Bryant
Contending teams will make their offers, and among those inquiring should be the Mets.
New York is in first place with a four game lead, and Bryant would give them a better option at third base over Jonathan Villar. Bryant was also linked to a “Welcome to the Mets” text this past offseason which prompted him to reach out to Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer.
As far as what the Mets could and should give up could depends on how much of Bryant’s remaining salary the Cubs are willing to pay. The more money Chicago takes on, the better their return package.
The Mets were ranked with the 19th-best farm system in the majors prior to the regular season. According to a Baseball Trade Values simulator, this deal involving two of New York’s Top-10 prospects is calculated to be “accepted” by both sides.
Mets’ No. 3 prospect Matt Allan is also ranked No. 58 in MLB Pipeline’s Top-100. He’s a 20-year-old right-hander and coming off Tommy John surgery, but many experts believe his high-90’s fastball and mid-80’s changeup leaves him with plenty of upside to remain optimistic. The Cubs showing interest in the former third-round pick out of high school will depend on how soon they plan on getting back to a level of serious contention.
If Allan is too steep, expect them to make a move for J.T. Ginn, ranked No. 6 on the Mets prospect list.
The other prospect, Vientos, is a third-base prospect to perhaps eventually replace Bryant in the Windy City should he pan out in their minor-league system.
It won’t be easy for the Cubs to net a blockbuster return given Bryant is only guaranteed for a half a season even if he is playing well. Maybe this is cause for some reluctancy for teams inquiring, but the additional money involved in the deal could play a big factor in determining the overall trade.