The Washington Nationals are interested in acquiring third baseman Kris Bryant from the Chicago Cubs, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com.
Of course, the Nationals would only swing a deal for Bryant if they fail to re-sign fellow third baseman Anthony Rendon, one of the top players on the free-agent market this winter.
The prevailing thought around baseball seems to be that there is a decent chance Bryant will get traded, with Morosi noting that there is a more of a chance that the Cubs will trade Bryant than there is that the Cleveland Indians will deal shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Bryant is not expected to be traded until after his arbitration case is resolved. If it is ruled that Bryant had a full year of service in 2015, he will become a free agent next offseason rather than in 2021, which would obviously change his value on the trade market.
The 27-year-old is coming off of a 2019 campaign in which he slashed .282/.382/.521 with 31 home runs and 77 RBI over 634 plate appearances en route to an All-Star appearance.
Bryant was originally selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round of the 2010 MLB Draft, but he elected to play baseball at the University of San Diego instead. He was then chosen by Chicago with the second overall pick three years later.
He made his big-league debut in 2015, slashing .275/.369/.488 with 26 long balls and 99 RBI across 650 trips to the dish, earning an All-Star selection and notching National League Rookie of the Year honors as a result.
Bryant then made his second All-Star team and won the NL MVP award in 2016 after slashing .292/.385/.554 with 39 dingers and 102 RBI through 699 plate appearances, helping the Cubs win their first World Series since 1908.
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