Kris Bryant Trade Rumors: 'Multiple NL Teams' Contacted Cubs About Possible Deal

MLB was rocked by a three-team blockbuster trade sending All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, and the aftershock can be felt in Chicago. 

ESPN 1000's David Kaplan reported Wednesday that "multiple" National League clubs have contacted the Cubs about a potential trade for All-Star third baseman Kris Bryant, "offering packages" of prospects and young talent. 

"Unsure if a deal gets done before Opening Day," Kaplan added. "If one doesn't, [the] Cubs probably hang on to him until July trade deadline."

The 2016 NL MVP recently made headlines for losing his service-time grievance against the Cubs, keeping him under team control through the 2021 season.

An anonymous source close to Bryant told Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times the three-time All-Star "harbors no ill will whatsoever."

However, there has been reason to believe Bryant won't last in Chicago until he hits free agency, as USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on Jan. 29:

"The Cubs have been shopping Bryant all winter and finally there is clarity in his value with the 28-year-old unable to become a free agent until after the 2021 season. The Cubs have tried several times in the past to sign Bryant to a long-term contract extension, offering about $250 million at one juncture, but Bryant has resisted those overtures." 

Nightengale also noted the Cubs and Colorado Rockies had discussions this offseason regarding Bryant and five-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, but nothing materialized.

On Tuesday, Nightengale tweeted that the Philadelphia Phillies and reigning champion Washington Nationals, who lost third baseman Anthony Rendon to the Los Angeles Angels in a free-agency megadeal, are "showing at least exploratory interest."

Bryant has spent his entire major league career on the North Side after Chicago took him second overall in the 2013 amateur draft. Last season, the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year posted a .282/.382/.521 slash line with 31 home runs and 77 RBI across 147 games.