The Chicago Cubs entered the 2021 MLB season knowing that some major changes could be coming to their roster prior to the MLB trade deadline. Names like Kris Bryant and Javier Baez have been mentioned as potential trade candidates. However, the fan base and front office would love to figure out a way to keep Bryant following his hot start to the season.

Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that the Cubs do not have much money. Due to some questionable spending sprees, the franchise has been strapped for cash over the last couple of years. That could force them to look to trade Bryant this year.

Bryant has been hot to start the 2021 season and is without a doubt the most sought-after player on the trade market. He has batted .303 to go along with 10 home runs and 25 RBI's so far this season. Those numbers show the version of Bryant that many thought he would be, but have started doubting he was over the last couple of years.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Cubs have made no headway in contract talks with their star third baseman. Jed Hoyer has an impossible task with Anthony Rizzo, Baez, and Bryant all coming off of the books. A trade could very well be the best option for Chicago at this point in time.

All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at five teams that must attempt to acquire Kris Bryant from the Cubs ahead of the trade deadline this year.

5. New York Mets

One intriguing potential landing spot for Kris Bryant could be the Mets, who discussed a potential trade for Bryant before the start of the season. They need some star power and would likely be more than willing to pay to get it. New York would also give Bryant a national stage to play on, although he would be joining a franchise that has struggled in recent years.

Bryant could change everything for the future of the Mets. A new face of the franchise to couple with Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso would be a welcome sight. If the Mets could get a long-term deal done with Bryant, this deal makes all the sense in the world.

4. Washington Nationals

The Nationals would also make sense as a potential landing spot for Bryant. They have been on the lookout for former Cubs over the last couple of years. In this offseason alone, the Nationals brought in both Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber.

Trading for Bryant would give the Nationals the extra contact slugger that they need and would fill the void they have at third base. If the Nationals want to go all-in on competing for a World Series, this would be the move to make. They certainly have enough talent in their farm system to get something done with the Cubs.

3. Boston Red Sox

How about we add a team from the American League who should go after Kris Bryant ahead of the trade deadline. The red-hot Red Sox have started the season very strong and are currently 25-17 at the time of this writing. That record has them in first place in the American League East, but they could use more firepower to stay there.

Bryant would certainly give them the extra big bat that they need to contend for a World Series. Many aren't buying the Red Sox as a legitimate World Series contender, but they can change that perception with the addition of Bryant. If the Cubs want to keep him out of the National League, this landing spot would make a ton of sense.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Should Bryant have any say in where he would like to be traded, it is likely that he would have interest in joining the Phillies. He is very close friends with superstar outfielder Bryce Harper, who many thought would end up with the Cubs a couple of years ago in free agency. That didn't happen, but this trade would give Bryant a chance to team up with his longtime friend.

Bryant would also give the Phillies another power bat in their lineup, which would be of interest. They have a hole at third place and Bryant would come in as a huge upgrade over Alec Bohm, who has struggled in his second year with the Phillies. His ability to play the outfield would also give the Phillies some options with the superstar.

1. Chicago White Sox

It would be absolutely crazy to see the White Sox and Cubs work out a deal for Kris Bryant. However, the potential deal would make a ton of sense for both teams. The White Sox can pony up and make an impressive offer filled with a ton of young talent, while Bryant could come in and give them the bonafide superstar they need to make a push in the American League.

Not too long ago, the Cubs and White Sox came together on a trade that sent then-star pitcher Jose Quintana to the North Side of Chicago. Trading Bryant to their inner-city rivals would be a tough decision for the Cubs to make, but it might bring in the most value. The Cubs simply cannot afford to get sentimental with this trade or hold back simply because it would mean trading Kris Bryant to their arch-rivals and it would not be shocking to see the White Sox come forward with an aggressive trade offer if they had an opportunity to do so.