SF Giants eyeing Kris Bryant in deal with Chicago Cubs

According to multiple reports, the SF Giants have expressed interest in acquiring Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant before this week’s MLB trade deadline. In the latest report tying the two together, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman noted that Bryant’s versatility would be of particular value to the Giants, who are missing multiple starters across their infield to injuries at the moment. Bryant can also play in the corner outfield and solidify a group that has struggled to produce against left-handed pitching.

Could the SF Giants land Cubs star Kris Bryant?

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi first reported that the Giants and Cubs had spoken about Bryant and added that Chicago was evaluating top catching prospect Joey Bart for a possible return. The news was surprising since Bart is considered one of the 30 best prospects in the league, which would be a premium price to pay for any player in the last year of their contract. Bryant will be a free agent at the end of the season. Morosi later clarified that Bart would only be involved in a deal that included more than Bryant.

After a down 2020 season, Bryant has returned to form this year, hitting .269/.359/.508 with 18 home runs in 92 games. He has almost evenly split his time playing third base, left field, and right field, but also has played a dozen games at first base and 14 in center field. A four-time All-Star, Bryant is a career .279/.378/.508 hitter with 160 home runs.

While the Cubs best hitter would obviously be a huge upgrade to the Giants lineup, he is also a Scott Boras client with no team control beyond 2021. Afraid to lose him in free agency, the Cubs may try to recoup some prospect capital for one of the stars of their 2016 World Series championship run. However, buyers, like the Giants, will be hesitant to give up significant long-term assets for the same reason. With that said, San Francisco’s general manager Scott Harris was hired away from Chicago’s front office and is likely quite high on the 29-year-old.

The SF Giants have just a few days left to make a splash before the MLB trade deadline. Could they make a push for Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant? Stay tuned to Around the Foghorn for all the latest news and rumors.