Report: Cubs' Bryant turned down extension worth more than $200M
When the postseason is completed, the Chicago Cubs are expected to enter free agency as the betting favorite to land Bryce Harper, but it looks like they have some work to do with another star first.
Over the last several months, the Cubs approached 2016 National League MVP Kris Bryant about a contract extension worth north of $200 million, which he turned down, a source told ESPN's David Kaplan.
Bryant's agent Scott Boras, who has a reputation for finding lucrative long-term deals for his clients, preferred to go year-to-year in arbitration instead, according to Kaplan's source.
The 26-year-old Bryant, who earned $10.85 million in 2018, is projected to earn $12.4 million in arbitration for next year. He isn't eligible for free agency until 2022.
Bryant only appeared in 102 games for the Cubs this season while battling through shoulder discomfort in the second half. He managed just three home runs and 12 RBIs across 32 games after the All-Star break.
Overall, he still posted a solid .272/.374/.460 slash line with 13 home runs, 28 doubles, and 52 RBIs in 457 plate appearances.