The notion that Kris Bryant turned down a $200 million extension from the Chicago Cubs appears to be false. In fact, the Cubs reportedly never offered Bryant such a deal.
Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reported that “While the Cubs have approached Bryant in previous offseasons about an extension, there has been no new activity on that front.”
Given what Bryant has meant to this team, we certainly expect that efforts to extend him will be made.
Since winning the NL Rookie of the Year in 2015, Bryant has been one of baseball’s best players. He has made two All-Star teams and won the NL MVP in 2016. That season saw him help lead Chicago a World Series championship, the first for the franchise since 1908.
Bryant did struggle through an injury-riddled 2018 campaign, hitting 13 home runs in only 102 games.
Bryant made $10.85 million in 2018 — the first of four arbitration years. If he doesn’t sign an extension earlier, Bryant will become a free agent following the 2021 season.