MLB Rumors: Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs Had Kris Bryant Trade Talks, Champs Going With Rookie

The Washington Nationals appear to have moved on from trying to replace Anthony Rendon with another star third baseman. Following failed trade talks with the Chicago Cubs regarding Kris Bryant, the defending champions are giving a rookie Carter Kieboom a chance to start at the hot corner.

Rendon turned down Washington’s $210 million offer to sign a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels in free agency. The Nationals had discussions with the Cubs but were unwilling to meet the asking price for the 2016 NL MVP.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, Chicago wanted either outfielder Victor Robles or a trade package that included some combination of Kieboom, 2019 first-round pick Jackson Rutledge and MLB.com’s 97th ranked prospect Luis Garcia.

“We’re not looking to make a trade,” general manager Mike Rizzo said at a press conference in West Palm Beach last week. “It’s nothing that has been a priority to us in the offseason. Like I said, we’ve handled all the options that we need to have at third base through the offseason and I think that it shows with the roster construction about how versatile this group is and how effective they can be.”

Bryant has been in trade rumors for much of the offseason as the Cubs look to shed payroll. The Los Angeles Dodgers were seen as a possible destination before the team acquired Mookie Betts. A Bryant for Nolan Arenado swap has reportedly been discussed between the Cubs and Colorado Rockies.

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies have also been speculated as possible landing spots for Bryant.

Kieboom, the No.21 prospect in baseball, had a .493 OPS in 44 plate appearances with the Nationals during the 2019 season. The 22-year-old hit .303/.409/.493 with 16 home runs in 109 games at triple-A.

The rookie will have big shoes to fill after the departure of Rendon. Rendon finished third in the 2019 NL MVP race, hitting .319/.412/.598 with a league-best 44 doubles and 126 RBI.

Rendon had a 1.003 OPS in the 2019 playoffs with .276/.344/.586 World Series splits and some very clutch hits in the Fall Classic.