Boston Red Sox rumors: 3 Cubs players to target at MLB Trade Deadline

Boston Red Sox Trade Target No. 1: Kris Bryant

Sure this may be a stretch, but imagine the damage the Red Sox lineup could do if they added Kris Bryant to their lineup. The former National League MVP is having a much needed bounce back season after struggling through much of the pandemic shortened season, and has reestablished himself as an All-Star caliber player.

Due to his track record of success, and him still being just 29 years old, Bryant would charge the steepest price of the three players on this list. Still, Bryant is set for free agency this offseason after resigning for just one year last offseason, and seems set to depart as a free agent this offseason anyways.

As a result, Boston’s front office should be able to create a good enough trade package to land Bryant if they wanted to. The thing is, if Boston were to land Bryant, where would he play on the field?

The reason Bryant is so high on this list is not only because he’s the best player of the three listed, but because he helps the Red Sox in more than one way. Bryant could come in and take over the hot corner from Rafael Devers, and allow Devers to move to first base, a position that is much better suited for his current fielding capabilities.

Let’s face it; Devers has been a mess at third base for most of his career, and is already up to 12 errors on the season, which somehow isn’t tops in the league. A position change has been in Devers future for some time now, and making a move for Bryant could accelerate that process. It’s not that playing first base is easy by any means, but Devers responsibilities here would be much less than that at third base.

Not only is Bryant a superior third baseman than Devers, but he can play all over the field if needed, further enhancing Boston’s ability to play multiple guys at multiple spots. For reference, Bryant has played more games in the outfield this season than he has played in the infield. He’s also played 12 games at first, so if Devers struggles at first, just switch him and Bryant and call it a day.

Of the treasure chest of assets the Cubs could be willing to move, Bryant is the pile of gold that everyone wants. Sure, his price may be higher, but he offers the potential to solve a number of issues Boston faces by just showing up. The Red Sox haven’t been getting the credit they deserve all season, but they can really make a statement at the trade deadline by swinging a deal for Kris Bryant.