With the MLB lockout now a thing of the past, free agency is heating up again.
Spring training starts soon too, and these two periods will be overlapping with each other for a little while.
Several star players remain on the market and were left without jobs when the lockout hit, but now that the lockout is over, we can expect to see teams signing players and making trades very quickly.
Kris Bryant is one of the many free agents still left unsigned, and Bryce Harper is making an effort to lure Bryant to join him on the Philadelphia Phillies.
NL MVP Bryce Harper is stumping for good friend/Vegas neighbor Kris Bryant in Philly. Harper pull helped keep Realmuto. Phils have needs but also options (Schwarber, Conforto, Castellanos, etc.) KB does fit, either for 3B and/or OF. He, too, has options: Sea, Colo, SD, NYM, more
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 11, 2022
Bryant To The Phillies?
Bryant and Harper are both from Las Vegas, so they share that connection, but Bryant could be the Phillies’ missing piece.
After loading up with Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Didi Gregorius, the Phillies haven’t been able to get themselves up off the mat.
They still have not reached the postseason since being knocked out by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, and it appears that their window may be stuck.
Bryant could help the Phils get their window un-stuck, and finally contend for the postseason.
Facing a lineup featuring Bryant, Harper, Realmuto, Gregorius, and Rhys Hoskins would be a tough task for any pitcher and could finally give the Phillies a chance to compete for their first NL East crown since 2011.
They were in the race for some time last year but fell apart when the Braves got hot and took the division on their way to winning their first World Series title since 1995.
As it stands right now, the Phils look like more of a middle of the pack team, but if they sign Bryant, that could change very quickly.
NEXT: Bryce Harper Is Ready To Play In Japan