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As I said this morning, yesterday’s report on the “recent” Cubs-Mets trade talks on Kris Bryant was subsequently updated to remove the word “recent”. It seemed like a fundamental change, given that having had trade talks in, say, November is a far cry from last week, when the world was a great change for both teams.
Well, there is now a report from New York:
There has been a dialogue between the Mets and the Cubs recently about Kris Bryant. The Cubs really like receiver Francisco Alvarez, one of the Mets’ top prospects. Sandy Alderson said yesterday that he is not trading the best prospects.
– Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) January 8, 2021
Not only does this report confirm the talks, and not only does it put that “recent” word in there, but it also names a name on the other side: catching prospect Francisco Alvarez.
Alvarez, 19, is indeed one of the top prospects in the Mets system and is probably in the top 100 for most serves. By MLB Pipeline, it is actually classified in front of by Brailyn Marquez and Brennen Davis. So, yes, it would definitely be the Mets giving up a better prospect, which certainly seems like they would be loath to do so, even in a deal with Bryant.
So why even mention the name? Why would a New York report be named after Better Hope the Cubs like in Bryant talks? If I had to guess it might be because the Mets want a little bit out there that they’re not ready to give up a better prospect like Alvarez for Bryant … but instead would give up something. less? Like maybe a big leaguer, or a lesser prospect? Generally speaking, I can think of pieces “less important” than Alvarez that would be a “fair” return for Bryant, even if the Cubs keep the price tag high. So it’s a bit strange.
Also strange? Jon Heyman posted this, about nothing, around the same time as Puma’s tweet:
Kris Bryant should have more market than it looks: .889 Lifetime OPS, brings flexibility (can play all 3 OF positions in addition to 3B), 1 year to go at a fairly reasonable rate (around 18 – $ 19 million).
– Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 8, 2021
Is anyone just trying to start discussions about Bryant? Or is it just a little post-Mets drama? Or are the Mets trying to pressure a free agent to sign? Stay tuned, I guess. It was immediately after the Padres traded for a big arm that that kind of “oh wait, actually there’s more” started to appear about Yu Darvish.
Also: I wouldn’t read too much Cubs with allegedly an interest in a capture prospect. At just 19 years old, Alvarez is not a guy you are targeting because, for example, you shop Willson Contreras. Instead, it would just be about getting the best possible perspective. And if you really like Alvarez’s bat, so be it.
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