MLB Rumors: Cubs Star Outfielder Spooked By Fake Trade Alert, Focused On Upcoming Season

Kris Bryant is heading into what may potentially be his final MLB season with the Chicago Cubs.

Contract extension talks have not gained ground, so MLB trade rumors are undeniably in the air. However, he admits that a recent fake MLB trade rumor got his attention, the one alleging he was headed to the New York Mets.

It was something that startled him, leading him to call his agent Scott Boras. After verifying it with Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer, the report was said to be untrue.

For the time-being, Bryant was assured that he would not be going anywhere, USA Today reported.

But the reality is that Bryant is in his final year with the Cubs. An MLB trade could happen somewhere down the road, raising questions on whether he will finish the season in a Cubs uniform.

The three-time MLB All-Star was offered a $200 million long-term contract before, but Bryant declined. No serious discussions followed from there.

That does not appear much of a concern for the 2016 NL MVP for now, opting to stay the course. He prefers to approach each year as a free agent, something he admits is how he approaches things in real life.

“I want to go out there and dominant. It’s who I am. This is what drives me,” Bryant stated.

As far as the Cubs, Bryant is aware of the changes that the team underwent. Some of the bosses are no longer around, and there are only five players around from the 2015 team.

The payroll has also shriveled and notable names have left the team. Despite all the adversity, he feels that the team will, at some point, get back on track.

“There was a point where this team was doing that too,” Bryant stated. “I'm sure it will happen in the future. I don't know what direction or what they want to do. I just show up and play and do what I do here.’’

For Bryant, it won’t come as a surprise if he is traded. There are teams interested in him and the Cubs are listening.

That claim with the Mets is likely over after New York acquired Francisco Lindor. Anything is possible moving forward.

But for now, Bryant prefers to keep his cool and stay focused with the team he is officially affiliated with.