It is probably better to forget about it Kris BryantAfter three extraordinary years in the big leagues, he won a Rookie Award in 2015 and was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 2016. He also boasted an astounding.946 OPS in 2017. It’s possible that we will never see him again. Kris Bryant’s current version — a man that hits for power and takes his walks while covering up to five spots — is quite good.
Eliminate COVID-19’s 2020 season. This was when many of the league’s top players struggled to adjust to a new environment. Bryant finished each season with an OPS at least.834. With the exception of one, he participated in more than 140 games. Bryant’s FanGraphs wins were 11.1 more than his replacement from 2018-2021. Only two of the 39 position players who did better were among those who scored higher on FanGraphs. Freddie FreemanAnd Trevor Story— Are free agents
Bryant isn’t perfect but he can make any team better. Although his defense is not great at every position, his skill set is sufficient to make him at least passable at them all. His next contract is only a few years away, and he’s just about to enter his 30s. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel predicted five years at a total of $90 million— could help to reduce the back-end concern.
Bryant rebounded well in 2021. He hit.265/.353/.481, was on his fourth All Star team and was worth 3.6 FanGraphs WAR. Bryant also started at least 10 games at five positions (first base and third base), plus one appearance at shortstop late in the game. Bryant, who will be 30 in the next month, will be one of Major League Baseball’s most sought-after players when the offseason begins. His versatility allows Bryant to play in a variety of positions. Here are five teams that seem to make the most sense.
Although this is a pipe dream, it’s possible. Bryant has not been a factor in the Brewers’ decision to link him, partly because they don’t have the money. Only once has their Opening Day payroll exceeded $105 million. That was in 2019, when it reached $122 million. However, the team had to cut nearly 20% for the 2021 season. Their 2022 projections are slightly higher than $110 million.
Bryant could be the team’s best player, making them the most powerful in the National League.
Bryant can comfortably slide in at first base. Rowdy TellezPark-adjusted OPS of only 5% is lower than league average in 275 career game. He can be designated hitter or part-time depending on the current rules. Third baseman is allowed to use him Luis UriasTo bounce around, if necessary, and takes some burden off the 35-year old center fielder Lorenzo CainBut the bigger picture is what matters here.
The Brewers have the best lineup in the game, with a great bullpen and a good lineup. Bryant and Bryant make a dynamic pair. Christian Yelich. It would however require a midmarket team to pay two players almost $50 million per year on a long term basis. Corbin BurnesAnd Brandon WoodruffIt is becoming increasingly expensive. Cain signed a $80 million, five-year contract as a free agent in January 2018, which was the largest ever offered by the Brewers. Matt Garza received $50 million in 2014, and before that it was Cain. It’s worth imagining.
The Red Sox must act like Red Sox again. They’ve been unusually frugal ever since they traded Mookie BettsTwo offseasons ago, the most recent $22 million was spent on three backend starting pitchers (James Paxton, Michael WachaAnd Rich Hill). However, the Red Sox could still use a large bat. A corner outfielder is ideal to strengthen the lineup by limiting Enrique HernandezTo two positions: Second base (where Christian Arroyocan spot him when he is needed) and centerfield (where Hernandez can spell). Jackie Bradley Jr. For left-handed pitching
Bryant would be a good fit in left field. Bryant can also play first base where right-handed-hitting is most common. Bobby DalbecAfter he had 25 home runs in his first full year, he is expected to be the next starter. To keep up with the Red Sox, they need to make a move like this. New York Yankees, Toronto Blue JaysAnd Tampa Bay RaysThe deepest division in baseball. They can certainly afford it. Bryant’s contract will likely cost the Red Sox around $200 million in 2022. However, they can still navigate within those limits. After this season, their only major financial commitments are to. Chris Sale, Xander BogaertsAnd Rafael Devers.
The offseason began with a slew of elite starting pitchers. Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Robbie Ray, Marcus Stroman, Noah Syndergaard, Kevin Gausman— landed on the San Francisco Bay without landing. Instead, the Giants filled their rotation holes in an extremely conservative manner. Alex CobbYou can also bring back Alex WoodAnd Anthony DeSclafani. After the unexpected retirement of Buster PoseyIn this scenario, the Giants could stay in-house at the Catcher, hoping Joey BartYou can rise to the level of a regular in the major leagues. Curt CasaliHe provides insurance as his back up. Bryant could be the Giants best option for adding impact talent, at least in free agency. There are worse outcomes.
Bryant did a good job with the Giants but was not outstanding down the stretch. He hit.262/.344/.444 and had seven home runs as well as six stolen bases in 51 regular season games. Although it’s a small sample, Bryant started at third base as well as all three outfield positions. Giants are known for their versatility and ability to maximize matchups across their lineup. Bryant’s presence elevates that to the next level, especially if a universal designated batter is included in the new collective bargaining arrangement. He is a speller Evan LongoriaAnd Brandon BeltIn the corner infield, both of them will be free agents next season. They can play an important part in any outfield mix. Mike Yastrzemski, LaMonte Wade Jr., Darin RufAnd Steven Duggar.
He’s also a right-handed power hitter for the middle of their lineup and the Giants could certainly use one.
The Mariners’ three year rebuild culminated in a thrilling stretch run. They won 19 of their last 29 games, and finished the season with 90 victories. They also fell two games short of ending a two-decade-long drought postseason. Despite having a minus 51 run differential, they were able to snap a two-decade-long drought. Although the Mariners may have performed above their talent level in 2021 they believe they are now entering a legitimate contention window. They have always targeted this offseason to strike. The evidence was shown by a late-November deal for second baseman Adam FrazierThe Mariners have a waiting list for a free agent and a $115 million spend on Robbie Ray, the American League Cy Young Award winner. But the Mariners require more offense. The Mariners need more offense, and Bryant was heavily involved in their relationship before MLB owners locked them out. That makes sense.
After the departure by, the Mariners have a gaping hole at third base. Kyle Seager. Bryant will fit perfectly in there, allowing you to enjoy the likes Ty FranceAnd Abraham ToroTo bounce around in quasi-bench positions. But, if you are the first baseman Evan WhiteBryant could also fill in if the Mariners continue to struggle offensively. The Mariners can relieve some pressure from their best outfield prospects by having Bryant fill in. Jarred KelenicAnd Julio RodriguezBryant could also be a potential 2022 starter for Bryant, who seems to be in good shape. Frazier is currently the lowest-scoring Mariners player in the majors. Mitch HanigerTheir only major league hitters are they. They were previously linked to Trevor Story. Matt ChapmanBryant is as sensible as anyone.
After signing his contract for 13 years, worth $330 million with the Phillies in February 2019, Bryce HarperHarper stated that he would be bringing in star players to Philadelphia. Bryant is Harper’s friend from Las Vegas, who happens to also share an agent. Here’s what you need to know: The Phillies have a poor farm system and their payroll is disproportionately high. This could mean that the organization will need to undergo a long rebuild. It must do all it can to maximize the existing core to win now. This path is made more difficult by the fact the World Series champions (the) are not in the same league. Atlanta Braves) and baseball’s biggest spenders (the New York MetsShare the division:
Bryant, for the Phillies seems more a necessity than luxury at this point. Their third baseman. Alec Bohm, who struggled through a.247/.305/.342 run in 417 plate appearances in his age-24 season 2021. The Phillies should be more patient with their former No. Bryant’s insurance would be a huge benefit as the Phillies’ No. 3 pick. Bryant can play the majority of his games in left field for the Phillies, as they don’t have a clear-cut starter after the offseason departure. Andrew McCutchen. He can also be a helper in the middle, another area of weakness.
Harper will be the Phillies’ player for the next two seasons. J.T. Realmuto, Jean Segura, Zack WheelerAnd Aaron NolaTogether, more than $210 millions. It’s a lot but they are great players. To win with the Phillies, they need more support.