MLB Rumors: NL East Teams Interested In Kris Bryant, Dodgers Become Unlikely Trade Partner For Cubs

The Los Angeles Dodgers once appeared to be the most likely destination for Kris Bryant, but that’s no longer the case now that Mookie Betts and David Price are on their way to L.A. With the Chicago Cubs expected to shop the third baseman ahead of the 2020 MLB season, two NL East teams are reportedly showing interest in making a deal.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals have shown at least an “exploratory” interest in Bryant.

Trade rumors involving Bryant could heat up in the next few weeks now that he’s lost his service-time grievance and is under team control for the next two years. Chicago has reportedly been trying to move one of its best players. The 28-year-old is the top candidate to be dealt because he will make $18.6 million this year and has plenty of trade value.

Philadelphia has overhauled its roster in the last 15 months. It started last offseason when the Phillies traded for Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto in addition to signing Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen and David Robertson. The team gave Zack Wheeler a five-year, $118 million contract this past December and signed Didi Gregorius.

Seven of Philadelphia’s eight highest-paid players were not on the team prior to the 2018 season.

The Phillies went 81-81 in 2019, finishing in fourth place and 16 games out of first place. Philadelphia last had a winning record in 2011.

Washington finished 12 games ahead of Philadelphia to earn the first NL wild-card berth, eventually going on to win the 2019 World Series. The Nationals re-signed World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg to keep the best frontend of any rotation intact.

A hole was created at third base when Anthony Rendon signed with the Los Angeles Angels for $245 million. Bryant could potentially replace Rendon and hit in front of Juan Soto in Washington’s lineup.

No Nationals position player even makes $10 million per season.

There’s been speculation that the Cubs and Colorado Rockies could swap Bryant and Nolan Arenado. The Atlanta Braves were linked to Bryant earlier in the offseason.