Philadelphia Phillies & Kris Bryant
The Philadelphia Phillies make a lot of sense for both Kris Bryant and the organization. Kris Bryant and Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper played together during their youth and have expressed interest in playing together again. These rumors picked up around the 2021 trade deadline before Bryant was traded to the San Francisco Giants.
Despite having Alec Bohm at the hot corner, the Phillies’ third basemen struggled. At one point in 2021, Bohm was sent to Triple-A to work out his constant struggles at the plate. Alec Bohm took the lion’s share of the plate appearances (390) compared to Ronald Torreyes (157 plate appearances). Bohm had a fantastic 2020 season despite it being shortened by COVID. In 2020, Bohm hit .338/.400/.481. 2021 saw a steep decline in Alec Bohm’s offensive production with a pedestrian slash line of .247/.305/.647 and his OPS+ dropped 60 points.
Third base is a glaring weakness for a Philadelphia Phillies team that is a few pitchers away from contending. Entering his age-30 season, Bryant would provide the much-needed offensive pop at third base while also providing versatility in the outfield.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners recently lost their cornerstone at third base due to retirement when Kyle Seager called an end to his career after the 2021 season. Despite Seager being a mainstay at the hot corner, the Seattle Mariners ended the season with negative WAR. Seager takes 30+ home runs with him into retirement. Signing Kris Bryant would prove to be an offensive upgrade for the Seattle Mariners. If Bryant decides to spend the rest of his career at third, the Seattle Mariners may offer the best opportunity due to three spectacular prospects making their way to the majors.
Financially, the Seattle Mariners shed $18 million in salary with the retirement of Kyle Seager making it possible for a Kris Bryant signing. Can the Seattle Mariners stomach another six-seven-year deal with a total value of over $140 million? After the Robinson Cano signing, this remains to be seen. However, situations have changed and lessons have been learned.
Houston Astros & Kris Bryant
The Houston Astros may be the dark horse in this race. They will be aggressive if they lose shortstop Carlos Correa to free agency. Losing Correa would free up the needed money to sign Kris Bryant. The Houston Astros organization still believes they are in a winning window and, despite their cheating, have proven to be a successful team.
With Carlos Correa and Kris Bryant commanding the same annual average value (between $23-$28 million), the Astros can only afford one superstar but not both.
If signed, Bryant would be used as a strict outfielder with Alex Bregman cemented at the hot corner. Bryant would join fellow outfielders Michael Brantley and Kyle Tucker possibly making the most dangerous outfield in the American League.
