Blue Jays could do one-stop shopping by calling the Cubs

Upgrade for the hot corner?

I figured I’d just get this one out of the way right at the beginning, because until Kris Bryant gets traded and/or signs his next contract, I have a feeling Blue Jays fans are going to keep talking about him.

While it would be fun to bring the 29 year old to Buffalo/Toronto, I have a hard time seeing it happen.

The argument from many fans and writers is that the Blue Jays could use an upgrade for their regular third baseman, and in some ways I’d agree with that sentiment. Biggio has been much better since coming back from the Injured List last month, but he feels a bit miscast at the hot corner rather than playing at second base as we saw him during the first two years of his career. Bryant could solidify the position, which would push Biggio into the valuable utility role the Jays have seemingly always wanted anyway.

As for Bryant, he’s returned to being an above-average option at third base in 2021 after struggling a bit last season. He’s currently slashing .271/.351/.503 with 16 home runs and 46 RBI over 80 games played. The thing is though, now that he’s a coveted player again there will be other teams calling to make offers as well. After an offseason when it seemed like the Cubs were almost ready to give him away, there’s going to be a price attached now that he’s re-established his value.

Considering that the Blue Jays have greater needs elsewhere, I don’t know that I see them making a bigger investment in third base like Bryant. If a potential trade package gets expanded far enough then maybe, but this is one I have a hard time seeing that happen.