Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant will be traded to one of these five teams

Chicago Cubs: Can Epstein slam the door on Boston’s Betts hopes?

Look, we know the Boston Red Sox are in a similar situation as the Cubs – they want to reset and get under the luxury tax threshold by Opening Day. To do so, they’ve been exploring trading former AL MVP Mookie Betts – most recently being connected with the San Diego Padres. 

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As the two sides figure out how to make a deal work – one where Boston sheds payroll along with a player they don’t seem to believe they can re-sign at season’s end and San Diego gets a dynamic offensive presence in the outfield, and opportunity is brewing.

With Bryant’s service time grievance in the rearview mirror – Theo Epstein can strike. He can offer what Boston can’t, two years of control over a former MVP. That extra year of team control allows the Cubs to demand more, whereas the Padres have ruled out their top prospects in talks with the Red Sox.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – Bryant is a third baseman, not an outfielder. I’d personally argue that he could have a future at either, lending further versatility to the Padres roster. If San Diego wants to win – and not simply bet it all on 2020 like they’d be doing with Betts, a trade for Bryant makes a lot more sense.