Kris Bryant rumors: Mariners chatter heating up

The MLB lockout is officially over, and there is already buzz about Kris Bryant potentially signing with the Seattle Mariners.

Prior to the MLB lockout, the Seattle Mariners were among the most active teams in the offseason. They signed AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray to a multi-year deal and traded for San Diego Padres infielder Adam Frazier. From the sounds of it, they may not be done picking up big names on the open market.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network noted that the “Kris Bryant-to-Seattle chatter resumed in the baseball industry” on Friday.

Kris Bryant to Mariners buzz continuing after lockout

Bryant to the Mariners is not a new thing. Back in November, FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray reported that the Mariners were interested in signing the former Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants utility man.

Last year, Bryant was one of the top trade deadline targets due to his production at the plate and his ability to play nearly every position on the field. Hence why the Cubs traded Bryant to the Giants for two prospects. At the end of the year, Bryant recorded a .265 batting average, a .835 OPS, 25 home runs, 73 RBI and 136 hits in 144 games.

The Mariners may have interest in Bryant, but they are not the only ones. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder and Bryant’s friend, Bryce Harper, has been “stumping” for the team to sign him. Heyman also notes that Bryant also has options in the Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, the New York Mets and more.

Bryant is a popular name in free agency, so it will truly be interesting to see where he chooses to sign his next contract.