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3 Perfect Fits in the American League for Kris Bryant

By Steven Kubitza

Kris Bryant trade rumors concerning AL clubs could heat up in the coming weeks.
Kris Bryant trade rumors concerning AL clubs could heat up in the coming weeks. / Denis Poroy/Getty Images

Kris Bryant lost his service time grievance against the Chicago Cubs, and remains under team control through the 2021 season. That increases his trade value significantly, and if the Cubs are keen to trade Bryant to an American League team this offseason in order to avoid playing against him as much as possible, these teams in particular stand out as great fits for the former NL MVP.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

Manager Kevin Cash and Tampa Bay Rays have learned to punch above their weight in the AL East.
Manager Kevin Cash and Tampa Bay Rays have learned to punch above their weight in the AL East. / Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

The Tampa Bay Rays had success despite a minuscule payroll in 2019, and they can round themselves into dark horse title contenders in 2020 and 2021 by trading for Bryant. He would replace Yandy Diaz at third base, who could slide in as the DH and get time at first base as a spot starter. Bryant would immediately be the highest-paid player on the team, but that's not saying much in context.

2. New York Yankees

The Yankees would need to entertain upgrading from Gio Urshela to Kris Bryant at third base.
The Yankees would need to entertain upgrading from Gio Urshela to Kris Bryant at third base. / Elsa/Getty Images

The New York Yankees lead the league in payroll heading into the new season, as the team is chasing its first World Series title since 2009 and has little interest in pinching pennies. Bryant could come in and be a star at third base, replacing Gio Urshela. The Yankees could get Bryant for two full seasons and likely not have to worry about trading him in 2021, as it's hard to imagine that he wouldn't be interested in signing an extension.

1. Texas Rangers

Chris Woodward and the Texas Rangers have been consistently lurking around in the Bryant sweepstakes
Chris Woodward and the Texas Rangers have been consistently lurking around in the Bryant sweepstakes / Will Newton/Getty Images

The Texas Rangers have been linked to several star third basemen this offseason. Settling for Todd Frazier is a nice consolation, but he is only on a one-year deal, and nothing is stopping them from going all-in for Bryant and immediately offering him an extension in hopes of making him the new face of the franchise. Frazier might not love that, but former MVPs only become available once every great while.