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Chicago Cubs, Kris Bryant agree to record-breaking contract
By Jake Misener
The Chicago Cubs made Kris Bryant the highest-paid second-year player in MLB history Thursday, signing him to a $1.05 million deal for 2017.
According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Chicago Cubs are giving the reigning National League MVP, Kris Bryant, a substantive pay raise ahead of the upcoming season.
sources: Kris Bryant sets record for 2nd year player, tops Trout, signs for $1.05M. cubs very fair with young players.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 9, 2017
The deal, which covers only the 2017 campaign, sets the all-time Major League Record for a contract given to a second-year player, topping the $1 million salary the Angels gave Mike Trout.
Per league rules, Chicago was only mandated to pay Bryant the league minimum salary of $535,000. However, given he’s coming off a Rookie of the Year Award following by NL MVP honors and a World Series, some good faith was due.
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Last season, Bryant drastically cut down on his strikeouts from his rookie season, while ranking third in the league with 39 home runs. The former first-round pick led the league in runs scored, while pairing up with teammate Anthony Rizzo to form one of the most formidable duos in all of baseball.
If nothing else, this sets a firm foundation upon which the organization and Bryant’s camp can build. The team played it smart, knowing keeping him with the Cubs is a priority. Instead of low-balling their third baseman, they came to the table with their heads on straight.
There are few talents in the game as big as Kris Bryant. Seemingly overnight, he’s become the face of the franchise. Still, he’s a ways away from free agency. Showing some good will, in the long run, could pay off big for Chicago.
Everyone is focused on what Bryce Harper could get via free agency. But, if you ask me, Bryant is the man to keep an eye on. To open his career, he put together two dominant seasons.
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He plays multiple positions – and does so well. Not only that, but Bryant played an integral role in bringing a World Series title to the North Side. The Cubs have set themselves up to keep KB at Wrigley Field for the foreseeable future, thanks to this sound decision.