Chicago Cubs: Three Kris Bryant trades post Mookie Betts deal

A deal with the Phillies, acquiring a starting pitcher and third base prospect.

While the rumor mill never touched on a potential Kris Bryant to the Phillies trade, this notion makes quite a bit of sense. Scott Kingery currently occupies third base, and the 25-year-old posted modest numbers in his second full season. The Phillies payroll sits at approximately $171 million, so they have room to add Bryant in a deal and extension if they would like.

In the trade, I have the Cubs acquiring both starting pitcher, Spencer Howard, and third baseman, Alec Bohm. Howard is ranked as the 88th best prospect in baseball and pitched across four levels of the minors last year. He did his best work at the High-A and Double-A levels, tossing a combined 65.2 innings with 86 strikeouts in 13 starts.

In all, Howard posted a 2.03 ERA for the Phillies’ minor league outfits and has displayed great velocity and movement on his fastball. His fastball touches the upper 90s, and he complements it with above-average pitches in his slider and curveball. Howard is projected to be ready at some point in the upcoming season, and he would fit well in the Cubs’ open fifth starter spot.

Bohm was the third overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and is ranked as the 34th best prospect and top third base prospect in the game. He saw three levels of the minors last year, posting a combined slash line .305/.378/.518 with 21 home runs and 80 RBI. He’s projected to be ready in 2021, so the Cubs would have to find a short-term solution for this season.