After months of trade rumors, Mookie Betts was finally dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Could Kris Bryant be the next superstar moved before the 2020 MLB season?

Much like Betts, Bryant has reportedly been available at the right price since the 2019 World Series concluded. Sources have told The Athletic that the Chicago Cubs remain active in trade talks with pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training Tuesday.

Several teams have been linked to Bryant this offseason, most notably potential contenders that could use an upgrade at third base.

The Washington Nationals lost Anthony Rendon in free agency. Josh Donaldson left the Atlanta Braves for a bigger contract offer from the Minnesota Twins. There have even been rumors that the Philadelphia Phillies could pursue Bryant.

It appears unlikely that Bryant will end up in the NL East, at least for now, because of payroll constraints. The 2016 NL MVP will make $18.6 million in 2020. His salary could approach $25 million in 2021 before he’s eligible to become a free agent.

According to The Athletic, a Bryant for Nolan Arenado swap isn’t out of the realm of possibility. The Colorado Rockies have listened to offers for their third baseman, who has expressed his discontent with the organization. Arenado has seven years left on his $260 million contract, though he can opt-out of the deal after the 2021 season.

The big salaries for both players make a trade between Colorado and Chicago a long shot.

The Texas Rangers could be a landing spot for Bryant. According to MLB.com’s Richard Justice, the Rangers are the “most motivated buyer” that has been linked to the Cubs star.

Texas failed in its attempt to sign Rendon. The Rangers improved their rotation by trading for Corey Kluber and signing Jordan Lyles and Kyle Gibson in free agency. Perhaps adding Bryant could put Texas back in contention following three losing seasons.

Chicago went 84-78 in the 2019 season, ending a streak of four straight playoff appearances. Bryant will likely be available before the July 31 trade deadline if he’s on the roster and the Cubs are struggling.

Bryant turned 28 years old in January. He’s been an All-Star or finished in the top-seven in MVP voting in four of his five MLB seasons.

Bryant hit .282/.382/.521 with 31 home runs in 147 games last year.

Kris Bryant Cubs
Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs warms up on deck during an exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds at Cashman Field on March 26, 2017 in Las Vegas. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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