Skip to content

Report: Nationals have inquired about Bryant

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Washington Nationals signed Stephen Strasburg on Monday to a reported record contract for a pitcher, and they may be looking to make another big move.

Washington has contacted the Chicago Cubs about third baseman Kris Bryant, reports MLB.com's Jon Morosi.

However, the 2016 National League MVP is unlikely to be traded soon as teams wait until the market for free-agent third basemen Anthony Rendon and Josh Donaldson becomes more clear, according to Morosi.

Bryant is also awaiting a ruling on his service-time grievance. An arbitrator is expected to determine in the next two weeks whether Bryant should be credited for a full year of service in 2015, according to Morosi. If the grievance is successful, the third baseman will enter free agency upon the conclusion of the 2020 campaign rather than 2021.

The 27-year-old has been one of baseball's most valuable players since he debuted in 2015, amassing 138 home runs and 403 RBIs. He's been worth the third-most WAR behind only Mike Trout and Mookie Betts, according to FanGraphs.

Meanwhile, Washington remains without a starting third baseman, and Nationals managing principal owner Mark Lerner said last week that the team could retain only one of Strasburg or Rendon.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox