Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant trade with San Diego Padres could work

Chicago Cubs: A full-time move to the outfield

The only way Bryant fits into the Padres’ lineup would be if he played the outfield on a daily basis. Of course, San Diego has Machado anchored in at the hot corner – but imagine what San Diego could trot out on a daily basis with the former NL MVP in tow.

If Preller could manage to get out from under at least part of Wil Myers‘ contract and add Bryant to the mix, the team would feature Fernando Tatis Jr., Hosmer, Machado and Hunter Renfroe on a daily basis. Needless to say, that’s not a matchup any pitcher will look forward to next season.

San Diego currently boasts the best farm system in all of baseball. We know that Theo Epstein isn’t just looking at 2020 when he’s formulating his offseason plan. He wants to extend the team’s current competitive window – and adding impact talent from the game’s best minor league system is a good way to do that.

Chicago has needs all over the pitching staff, at second base and in center field. It just so happens that some of the Padres’ best youngsters could help address these spots. If not Bryant, someone like Willson Contreras could help bolster San Diego as they look to finally get over the hump in 2020 and reach the postseason for the first time since 2006.