Has Nationals Reported Interest in Kris Bryant Been Overblown?

When it comes to the immediate direction of the Washington Nationals, there are undoubtedly a lot of questions. They just won the 2019 World Series behind a brand new manager and still have a trio of talented aces leading one formidable rotation (Scherzer, Strasburg, Corbin). They also have some breakout talent on the positional side, including several youngsters who probably could have made this transitional period a lot easier with some more consistent offensive production. But because a few key prospects didn’t fully pan out at the big league level just as the team lost Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon from the heart of their lineup, the future is murky, particularly on offense and at third base.

So … enter Kris Bryant, right?

The Cubs third baseman is one of the most obvious and also potentially impactful trade candidates on the market this offseason, he fits a position of need on both sides of then ball in D.C., and the Nationals have the exact sort of post-hype prospects that could theoretically fit in any such deal. Throw in the fact that the Nationals are nearing the end of their run with this rotation and are already running a pretty expensive budget, and a one-year deal for a plug-and-play slugger at the hot corner could be just what the doctor ordered. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, right?

Well despite a number of rumors this *and* last offseason connecting Kris Bryant to the Nationals – and all those reasons a deal could make sense for both sides – the pushback has been fierce.

Earlier this week, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Nationals suddenly may not be quite so willing to pay a player like Kris Bryant the salary he’s expected to earn via arbitration in 2021, and Brett discussed:

We know the Nats want Bryant (among other possible additions), so how can it be that they are “exploring a trade” for Bryant … but also “probably cannot afford” Bryant?

Well, I think the easiest way to bridge that gap is by keeping it simple: the Nats have a tight budget, like everyone, and would really like to get good players for less money. Also, with rumors getting pretty hot and public, this just feels like one of those pull-back-the-reins situations.

I’m not saying Rosenthal is merely carrying water here – the guy is the best in the biz for a reason – but I am saying that it’s not like you can’t still work out a deal for a guy when money is an issue. Indeed, we had some fun yesterday with a silly suggestion about swapping Bryant for Starlin Castro precisely because Castro carries a $7 million salary that would effective reduce the salary of Bryant in trade. So it’s not like the Nationals can’t “afford” Bryant’s salary if they structure a trade with that in mind.

In short, it’s pretty easy to imagine a scenario wherein the Nationals do want Bryant, but need to play for some leverage now that their intentions have been so widely circulated. That’s not to say money wouldn’t be a hindrance to any deal, but it can be a very convenient scapegoat to adjust the expectations for a lesser return, or adjust expectations for your fan base if they were thinking something was definitely gonna happen.

Well, there’s now another report from The Athletic, this time locally out of Washington:

Like Rosenthal, Britt Ghiroli is generally a trustworthy source who wouldn’t merely do the Nationals a favor by throwing this out there. But you don’t have to parse the words of her Tweet or post for a deeper meaning, the message is quite clear (emphasis mine):

Are the Nationals in trade talks with the Cubs over Kris Bryant? No. That interest, as of now, seems tepid at best. Are they interested in free-agent D.J. LeMahieu? Who wouldn’t be? He’s the best second and third baseman on the market.

And to take it a step further, she doesn’t even seem to be cautioning against any moves at all, given the direction of the rest of that paragraph (re: LeMahieu). So how are we supposed to take this? Are the Nationals really not at all interested in Kris Bryant?

Come on. It’s still a no.

Unlike Ghiroli or Rosenthal, I don’t have sources on this and am not reporting rumors here, but there’s a pretty big difference between not presently being in trade talks on Kris Bryant and not having a clear need for a player of his abilities, position, and control. She says it herself later in the post: “The Nationals have obvious holes in the infield, outfield, end of the rotation and bullpen.”

Kris Bryant is a third baseman, but also a capable corner outfielder. The Nationals have shown interest in him before, and have been connected to him repeatedly this offseason by multiple sources. When we start getting down to degrees of interest, we’re doing little more than splitting hairs. Perhaps this isn’t all such an obviously play for leverage – money is tight around baseball, clearly – but the Nationals are also not the only team interested.

All this considered, you shouldn’t be expecting any sort of immediate move to D.C., but I would hardly take the Nationals off the top-of-the-list when it comes to potential landing spots for Kris Bryant if and when the Cubs decide to move him. A fit might not work out – trades are hard – but when we suspect there’s interest, you kind have to regard these reports with a bit of a side eye.

Obligatory reminder: it’s not like the Cubs *have* to trade Bryant, either.

written by

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Rangers – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

*SHORT COURTS: It's Time To Bring The Home Court, Home! Looking for a unique way to celebrate your athlete or team before you peruse the FIRST CHICAGO CUBS LINEUP of the Year? Don't miss out! For just one more week...

The Cubs Are Among the Most Returning-y Teams

I am still mostly incapacitated at the moment, so apologies for the short shrift on such an otherwise blessed day. In between pokes and prods, I wanted to share a chart I saw that was pretty interesting, even if unsurprising:...

Maybe the Cubs Are the Favorites in the NL Central, After All?

ESPN was the first to throw some love the Cubs way this week, with an overwhelming majority of their writers, analysts, and editors picking the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central in 2024. But the love doesn't end there....

The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...

Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

The 2024 Chicago Cubs for Dummies

Boom. We made it. The offseason is over, and the Cubs regular season - and those elevated expectations - begins tomorrow. But in case you slept through the winter, I'm here to catch you up on everything you need to...

I’m Expecting More This Year, Cubs — It’s Time to Start Winning

There's no way around it: The Chicago Cubs did *not* have the offseason we hoped they might after making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in MLB history. Not that they did poorly, mind you. Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga, and...

Latest News

Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) go on the road at Tropicana Field against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.The Rays will look to Aaron Civale against the Blue Jays and Chris Bassitt.Rays vs. Blue Jays...

Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) play on Friday at LoanDepot park against the Miami Marlins (0-1). The contest begins at 7:10 PM ET.The Marlins will look to Andrew Jacob Puk against the Pirates and Martin Perez.Marlins vs. Pirates Pitcher Matchup and...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses...

NC State vs Marquette Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

March Madness matchups bring us a great battle tonight as 11-seed NC State battles 2-seed Marquette. Check out the odds, stats, and more for NC State vs Marquette which tips off at 7:09 pm ET tonight. NC State vs Marquette...

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – Friday, March 29, 2024

Today's NBA schedule has 12 quality competitions in store. Among those games is the Minnesota Timberwolves playing the Denver Nuggets.NBA prop bets for today's games are available, so if you're interested in placing a bet or building a parlay, you'll...

Updated Elite 8 Odds: UConn Betting Favorite To Win March Madness

There were some great performances last night including a 30-point win by the UConn Huskies sending them to the Elite Eight. Are they the betting favorite to win March Madness? What team is sitting on top of the odds to...

UConn vs. Illinois Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – NCAA Tournament Round Elite Eight

The No. 1 seed UConn Huskies (34-3) are 8.5-point favorites to advance to the Final Four when they play the No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini (29-8) in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Saturday at TD Garden, airing on...

Alabama vs. Clemson Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – NCAA Tournament Round Elite Eight

The No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (24-11) and No. 6 seed Clemson Tigers (24-11) will both be vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament Final Four when they meet on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, tipping off at 8:49...

How to Watch UConn Huskies vs. Illinois Fighting Illini: Live Stream or on TV

The No. 1 seed UConn Huskies (34-3) will take on the No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini (29-8) in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Saturday at TD Garden, airing on TBS starting at 6:09 PM ET.UConn won its previous...

Alabama vs. Clemson: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The No. 6 seed Clemson Tigers (24-11) will take the court for an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup with the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (24-11) on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, airing on TBS beginning at 8:49 PM ET,...

more cubs news