Padres: Let’s hope the New York Mets pull off a Kris Bryant trade

As the guy who runs FanSided’s site dedicated to the Chicago Cubs, Cubbies Crib, as Padres fans, you might think I got my wires crossed and am writing about this topic on the wrong site.

I assure you that’s not the case. San Diego Padres fans should be very interested in how the Kris Bryant trade rumors wind up playing out. The latest? The New York Mets are circling back with the Cubs about the former National League MVP, in hopes of shoring up the hot corner heading into 2021.

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So why does that matter to the Padres? Because another team with a third base need could come calling in the Los Angeles Dodgers. Obviously, seeing the reigning World Series champions add Bryant to their lineup is the last thing any of us want to see.

For the last seven years, Justin Turner has manned the position in Los Angeles, earning an All-Star selection along the way thanks to a quiet, yet remarkable .302/.382/.503 line. During his tenure, he was a well above-average offensive presence in the Dodgers lineup. But the two sides have been unable to bridge a gap in discussions this winter – prompting Turner to potentially pursue other opportunities.

Padres would want no part of a Dodgers lineup with Kris Bryant in the mix

Assuming Turner walks (the Dodgers aren’t keen on giving a 36-year-old third baseman a four-year deal and for obvious reasons), the team would head into 2021 with Edwin Rios as their guy at third. It’s not hard to see how Bryant could slot perfectly into that lineup and, if he returned to form, could make the Dodgers a near-lock for the pennant.

The Mets, meanwhile, also have a glaring need at third. They went out and made a ton of moves this winter, headlined by the trade for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco. Under new ownership, the organization is looking to threaten in the National League East and Bryant would be a huge piece in the puzzle for this season.

So, knowing that, let’s hope New York can pull the deal off after repeatedly checking in with Chicago on the three-time All-Star. The last thing we want to see is Bryant deepening an already-potent Dodgers offense just as the Padres look ready to take a run at the NL West.