© Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Phillies Showing Continued Interest in Bryant
Bryce Harper knows a thing or two about lobbying for superstars to play alongside him in Philadelphia.
Harper campaigned for the Phillies to trade for J.T. Realmuto in 2019. Harper's friendship with Realmuto was a significant force in bringing the All-Star catcher to Philadelphia.
The Phillies have a pretty solid bargaining chip in Harper. Who doesn't want the chance to share the field with the reigning National League MVP? A player who's hungry for a championship?
This time, Harper's target is another close friend, former NL MVP Kris Bryant.
The Phillies have been linked to Bryant since before the lockout was instituted on Dec. 1. But as Heyman notes, so have a lot of other teams, such as the Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, and division rival New York Mets.
Not only do the Phillies have Bryant's childhood friend in Harper on their side, but the slugger signing with the Phillies makes a whole lot of sense.
Bryant's defensive versatility makes him particularly attractive to Philadelphia. The club is still in need of an outfielder, and Bryant is able to fill in at left or center field. Additionally, Bryant's experience at third base could spell Alec Bohm and his defensive struggles. Especially with the DH coming to the NL this season, Bryant's adaptability has become even more valuable.
The 30-year-old could also fulfill the Phillies' need for a "middle-of-the-order" bat, and supply his buddy Harper with solid protection in the lineup.
Bryant was dealt at the 2021 MLB trade deadline by the Chicago Cubs to the San Francisco Giants. Between the two clubs, he slashed .265/.353/.481 with 25 home runs and 73 RBI. He was also named to his fourth All-Star Game.
The 2016 NL MVP's other suitors don't make quite as much sense as Philadelphia does. Kris Bryant would be a perfect fit in red pinstripes.
More From SI's Inside The Phillies:
- How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
- Phillies Inch Closer To Bringing Superstar Center Fielder To Philadelphia
- 18-Year-Old Phillies Prospect is Making History
- How did Philadelphia end up with Citizens Bank Park?
- How the Phillie Phanatic Came to be America's Favorite Sports Mascot
- This Unlikely Draft Pick Could be the Final Piece in the Phillies Next Blockbuster Trade
- Predicting the Phillies 2022 Opening Day Roster
- Picking the Phillies' All-Time Single Season Lineup
- Two Former Philadelphia Phillies Among Those Who Testified in Tyler Skaggs Trial
- The Sad Story of the Phillies' First Black Ballplayer
Make sure to follow Inside the Phillies on Facebook and Twitter!
