Several Teams Continue to Check in on Kris Bryant as Rangers Remain in Chase
By Adam Weinrib
No, the Kris Bryant trade talks aren't bubbling, simmering, or boiling over as the Cubs hit Mesa for the official start of their spring.
There remains, however, an undercurrent of discussion, and in the weeks following Bryant's unfortunate service time grievance defeat, they've reportedly continued to check in with a number of teams regarding the slugger's availability.
The Kris Bryant trade talks won’t disappear anytime soon. (To be clear, they aren’t advancing, either.) And the #Rangers continue looking for a bat. Story: https://t.co/LUsEfouS8M @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 12, 2020
While Jon Morosi's piece mentions the Rockies, Nationals, and Phillies among the teams who've called, it's important to note he's singled out the Rangers in his description, a team desperate for a splash ahead of their new stadium's opening.
When it comes to rumors, though, Anthony Rizzo has the proper take (Red Sox fans, look away).
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said on ESPN 1000 that "it's frustrating" to hear that Kris Bryant might get traded.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) February 5, 2020
Rizzo: "We got two more years left with a lot of the core guys, why don't we go try to win another World Series?"
We have so little time left with any of our star players, in the grand scheme of things. While the core is still young and inexpensive, it makes precious little sense to continue shrinking the amount you spend around them.
But what do we know?