Nats GM: We haven't had serious talks about Cubs' Bryant in 2 years

The Washington Nationals are looking for more production at the hot corner in 2021, but fans may have to take rumors surrounding Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant with a grain of salt.

"We haven't had a serious conversation about Kris Bryant in probably two years," general manager Mike Rizzo said Tuesday, according to Mark Zuckerman of MASN.

This contradicts, or at least downplays, manager Davey Martinez's comments made earlier in the day.

"His name's definitely come up in conversations," Martinez said, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago.

Bryant, 28, has been the subject of trade speculation throughout the offseason, as the Cubs are expected to slash payroll over the winter. The Nationals were rumored to be showing interest in the former NL MVP in late November.

Rizzo did admit the club's top priority is adding a "middle-of-the-lineup" bat either via free agency or in a trade, Zuckerman notes. The slugging third baseman fits that description.

A three-time All-Star, Bryant dealt with injuries in 2020 en route to a .206/.293/.351 slash line and four home runs in 34 contests. But he was near the top of his game in 2019 when he hit .282 with 31 homers in 147 appearances.

The Nationals have Carter Kieboom penciled in as the Opening Day starter at third base. The former top prospect has not seen his skills translate to the big-league level during his brief stints. He owns a .181 batting average with two home runs and 49 strikeouts in 44 games between 2019-20.

Despite the struggles in a limited sample, Kieboom has his manager's support. Martinez told Kieboom that the third base job "is yours, but you've got to earn it," according to Zuckerman.