Cubs could trade Kris Bryant to one of these teams post-Justin Turner deal

No one ever really seemed to buy into the thought that Justin Turner would actually wind up leaving the Dodgers.

But after the two sides made it official – with the All-Star third baseman inking a two-year, $34 million deal – the Chicago Cubs now have some much-needed clarity when it comes to the trade market for their own All-Star slugger in Kris Bryant.

Bryant, 29, is coming off the worst season of his career. The former National League MVP battled through a myriad of issues in 2020 – ranging from all the abnormalities that came in playing through a global pandemic to losing the joy he’s always felt on the diamond. Chicago is hoping he can return to form in his final year of team control this season.

That’s not to say he’ll finish – or even start – the year with the Cubs. The team has been widely shopping him this offseason. Should they take the wait-and-see approach and hope for a strong early season showing from Bryant, they could get a greater return in-season. But if they are more focused on shedding his contract, the Turner signing clarifies their options a great deal.

The frontrunner in the Bryant trade sweepstakes seems to be the New York Mets. Last week, yet again, we got reports connecting New York and Chicago on this front – the third time this winter that’s been the case.

Jed Hoyer is reportedly intrigued by Mets third baseman JD Davis, a solid ballplayer who comes with a good deal of team control. He’s virtually matched Bryant’s production the last couple of seasons – so while the Cubs star has the higher ceiling, it seems pretty unlikely the Mets would roll the dice on a straight-up swap.

They’re also looking to unload a couple of high-paid relievers in Dellin Betances and Jeurys Familia – so if there’s money changing hands on that front, the two sides just might be able to get something done.