Kris Bryant must be aware of the rampant trade rumors surrounding him in this off-season, but even he would have to be surprised by that.
At one point during the off-season, Bryant received a message from a random Connecticut number that said “Welcome to the Mets”, according to ESPN. Bryant called his agent and then Cubs President Jed Hoyer to make sure he was not negotiated.
Then, at least for a few minutes, the former NL MVP thought he was on his way to New York.
Bryant’s transfer to the Mets is still a possibility. The Cubs have already sent star pitcher Yu Darvish to the Fathers and let Kyle Schwarber walk to the Nationals. Bryant was a free agent in late 2021 and, with a long-term extension not yet registered, a trade would always be on the cards for a player of Bryant’s caliber.
The Mets may be trying to improve from JD Davis on third base, who is a solid hitter but a negative defender. Bryant has seen a drop in his advanced defensive metrics on third base in the past two years, but he has been solid in the hot corners throughout his career and has the ability to play on the outside as well.
“I look at it the same way every year,” said Bryant, according to USA Today. “I feel that every year is a free agent year, just personally how I view the game and how I view my personal life.
“I am proud to say that I haven’t changed at all. Honestly, my whole life, that’s who I am. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I want to go out there and be dominant. It’s who I am. This is what motivates me. ”