Categories: Rumors

The Phillies are once again showing interest in Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant is on the Phillies’ radar again. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Phillies, along with the Mariners, have been linked to Bryant over the past several days.

The Phillies and Mariners are among teams interested in Kris Bryant. (Photo by Stephen Hopson/Icon Sportswire)

It seems unlikely that the Phillies would be able to get a deal done with Bryant before a potential Dec. 1 work stoppage. Robert Murray of FanSided reported Sunday that the expectation is that Bryant will not sign a deal before the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement.

Bryant, 29, was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline in July. He slashed .265/.353/.481 with 25 home runs and 73 RBIs in 2021. Bryant played third base, right field, left field, first base and center field in 2021. Among the Phillies’ many needs, left field and center field are on the top of their list and Bryant would likely occupy one of those positions on a regular basis. Alec Bohm is the Phillies’ likely starting third baseman, but it wouldn’t hurt to have Bryant as an option if Bohm struggles.

It should be mentioned that Bryant and Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper are good friends. The two grew up in Las Vegas and played together as young teenagers in travel ball tournaments. Harper even used one of Bryant’s bats for a few weeks in July. Like Harper, Bryant is a Scott Boras client.

Durin g a recent appearance on 94 WIP, Harper was asked if he ever calls Boras and nudges him to get one of his other clients to Philadelphia.

“Yeah for a discount,” Harper joked.

Harper is conscientious of the fact that the Phillies can’t keep spending money to solve all their problems, but that doesn’t preclude him from welcoming Bryant to Philly if the two sides can agree to a deal.