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.

Cubs could use Kris Bryant’s versatility to their benefit in a trade

When we talk about Kris Bryant, we usually do so through the lens of a third baseman. But he’s also spent a ton of time in the outfield during his career – and has even spelled Anthony Rizzo across the infield at first.

That versatility – and his experience in the outfield – could expand his list of potential suitors far beyond those teams just looking to upgrade at the hot corner. Teams like Philadelphia, Toronto, Atlanta and others all could focus on the upside Bryant’s bat comes with – and find a place for him to call home defensively.

Toronto, in particular, stands out in my mind. After landing this winter’s top position player free agent in George Springer, the Jays are in it to win it this season. While the infield is full-up, with the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette and Marcus Semien, Toronto could look to slot Bryant in alongside Springer, leaving Randal Grichuk and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to round out the outfield.

Last week, Jed Hoyer made it clear: he’s not closing the door on any more moves before the season kicks off. A trade of Bryant would be about as big as they come – but it certainly feels like it’s a matter of when, not if, the team pulls the trigger on a move.