(670 The Score) The future of Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant remains a hot topic of the offseason as the organization looks to balance remaining highly competitive in 2021 with what’s best for its long-term interests. On Tuesday, a new development was added from a potential suitor.
In a media call, Nationals manager Davey Martinez acknowledged his team’s interest in Bryant – “His name definitely has come up in conversations,” Martinez said – but then general manager Mike Rizzo downplayed the possibility of a trade occurring this winter.
“We haven’t had a serious conversation about Kris Bryant for two years,” Rizzo said, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Bryant, who turns 29 in January, struggled mightily in 2020, hitting .206 with four homers, 11 RBIs and a .644 OPS in 34 games. He dealt with various ailments, including a wrist injury. Bryant is a three-time All-Star who won the National League MVP award in 2016. He hit 31 homers and posted a .903 OPS in 147 games in 2019.
The Nationals were connected to Bryant back in November, when Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported they were considering a trade for him.
“We like him a lot,” Martinez said of Bryant, according to the Tribune. “Unfortunately, he’s a Cub.”