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Report: Cubs 'got nowhere' in extension talks with Bryant

Matt Kartozian / USA TODAY Sports

First it was Carlos Correa, then reportedly it was Francisco Lindor. You can now add last year's National League MVP to the list of young stars that aren't ready to sign contract extensions with their respective teams.

Following a report on Thursday that the Indians "dangled" a package of approximately $100 million in front of Lindor that he subsequently declined, it appears the Chicago Cubs made several efforts to lock up Kris Bryant prior to the season. However, talks between the two sides "got nowhere," a source said, according to Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci.

Bryant's agent, Scott Boras, said the sides "were on the same page" in confirming the Cubs' pursuit in getting a deal done early with the slugger.

Although no extension appears imminent, Bryant was rewarded with a pre-arbitration salary of $1.05-million for 2017, breaking the record previously held by Los Angeles Angels stud Mike Trout.

Related: Agent says Correa will 'never' sign early multi-year contract

Boras revealed how Cubs President Theo Epstein - who was named among Time's 100 Most Influential People - goes about his business, which includes extensions.

"Theo does not settle on certain things," Boras said. "He offers a very limited range. You've got to give up an option year, a free-agent year, and he can move you whenever he wants to move you."

The super-agent's relationship with Epstein will be one to monitor. In addition to Bryant, Boras also represents young stars Bryce Harper and Corey Seager, shortstop Addison Russell, and right-hander Jake Arrieta - the latter of which is slated to become a free agent at season's end.

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