RADIO
Kris Bryant 2021 Outlook: Trade Candidate Has Much to Prove
4 years agoChicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant was one of several offensive players in the Windy City's NL club to suffer a miserable 2020. The former MVP fell to a career-low .203/.293/.351 slash line and went deep just four times across 131 at-bats. It was thought that a move to the leadoff spot would boost his value, increasing his run-scoring potential. Instead, Bryant hit a woeful .177 from the top of the lineup. A stint on the injured list made an already-short season even shorter, offering no chance for Bryant to get going.
Putting 2020 in the rearview, as most of us wish to do, Bryant should remain a fixture in the heart of the order for the Cubs. It's fair to ask how long, though. Bryant will be a free agent after the season and the Cubs appear ready to rebuild. It would make sense to move on from a player who, at 29, may have his best days behind him. Bryant's barrel rate has declined for five straight seasons, down to 5.5% in 2020 (31st percentile). Meanwhile, his walk rate is also free-falling while his K-rate has climbed to 27.2%. A change of scenery could invigorate Bryant and provide better team context but he also needs to stay healthy. No longer a top-100 fantasy player, Bryant is a fair value at his ADP of 132 in early NFBC drafts.
