Bryant brings unmatched value with versatility

The Cubs’ run to the National League Central crown began on April 4, with Kris Bryant at third base. It concluded with Chicago’s first division title in eight years on September 15, with Bryant at third base. In between, Bryant played more than 300 innings in left field, nearly 100 more in right, 43 at first base, and he sprinkled in cameos at shortstop and center field.

That Bryant put up the offensive numbers he has — including NL-best marks in runs and WAR — while wearing so many gloves not only resulted in one of the most unique MVP Award-caliber seasons, but it may also foreshadow the way teams start utilizing a new wave of hybrid stars.

And it’s beginning to beg an intriguing question: Is Bryant the best utility player ever?

That answer lies in your particular definition of that phrase. Admittedly, Bryant isn’t a utility player in the conventional sense of the word. That usually implies a bench player who stays in the big leagues with his glove, not dominates it with his bat. But Bryant has hit .295/.389/.564 with 39 home runs this season while playing six positions, which would easily be the most for an NL MVP Award winner. And that doesn’t include all the modern positional permutations inherent in overshifting. Technically, Bryant has played just one inning at shortstop. But in reality, he’s played in the middle of the diamond countless times, a 6-foot-5 rover who rates average to above average everywhere.

“The ability for him to also do that it makes him even more valuable,” said second baseman Ben Zobrist, who’s had a relatively static defensive season, for his standards, in part because of Bryant’s versatility. “For K.B., how well he’s played at all the positions he’s played certainly should give people more consideration in thinking about him as an MVP candidate.”

If he wins the award, Bryant would …

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