Report: Bryant expected to lose service-time grievance

Kris Bryant is likely to remain under team control for two more seasons, as he's expected to lose his service-time grievance against the Chicago Cubs, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Bryant filed the grievance against the Cubs four years ago after his agent, Scott Boras, said the team manipulated the player's service time in his National League Rookie of the Year-winning 2015 campaign.

The third baseman posted a 1.652 OPS with nine home runs in 14 spring training games that year but was left off of the Opening Day roster. The Cubs began the campaign with Mike Olt at the hot corner, who hit .133/.188/.333 in six games.

Meanwhile, Bryant wasn't promoted to the major-league roster until April 17, which guaranteed he wouldn't accrue the requisite 172 days at the big-league level to ensure one year of service. Had he made the Opening Day roster or been called up prior to April 17, Bryant would gain his sixth year of service this upcoming season and reach free agency after the campaign.

However, he will be retained through 2021 if he loses his grievance.

The 28-year-old has been involved in trade rumors this offseason as the Cubs continue to state their goal is to shed salary, though a recent report suggested rival executives believe the asking price for the 2016 NL MVP is too high.

Bryant owns a .284/.385/.516 slash line and is averaging 28 homers per year in five seasons with the Cubs. He posted a .903 OPS with 31 home runs, 35 doubles, and four steals last year.

The three-time All-Star possesses four years and 171 days of MLB service, which is one year and one day shy of free-agent eligibility.