MLB Rumors: Mets 'Have Had Trade Talks' With Cubs for Kris Bryant

Catch up on the latest hot stove rumors, including a possible Kris Bryant trade and Houston's reported interest in signing multiple relievers.

On the same day the Mets made the biggest move of the offseason by acquiring four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland, it appears new team owner Steve Cohen is not content with just one blockbuster trade.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Mets have engaged with the Cubs on trade talks to acquire third baseman Kris Bryant. When asked whether the team was interested in pulling off another big trade, president Sandy Alderson replied, "We're always hungry."

"We’re not perfect,’’ Alderson said, per Nightengale. “But this moves us forward quite a bit. We still have work to do. We’ll see if it takes us out of certain players or become a candidate for certain players."

According to the New York Post's Mike Puma, the Cubs "really like" top Mets catching prospect Francisco Alvarez in a potential Bryant trade. Alderson mentioned on Thursday that he does not plan on trading more top prospects this offseason. 

The Mets are also still in talks with free-agent outfielder George Springer. The team is willing to offer Springer a five-year deal worth "somewhat less than $150 million," according to SportsNet New York's Andy Martino. Springer is reportedly seeking a contract worth around $175 million.

Nightengale reports that the Mets are also engaged with relief pitcher Liam Hendriks. Hendriks, who turns 32 in February, has a 1.79 ERA and 39 saves over 110.1 innings over the past two seasons.

Check out the latest news and rumors around MLB:

• The Astros have signed relief pitcher Ryne Stanek to a one-year contract. Houston is reportedly "diligently" working toward signing multiple relief pitchers, and have contacted Hendriks, Brad Hand, Alex Colomé and Trevor Rosenthal. (Mark Berman, FOX 26 Houston)
• The Dodgers are interested in relief pitcher Kirby Yates. Yates, 33, pitched just 4.1 innings in 2020 before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery, but in 2019 led the Majors with 41 saves while recording a 1.19 ERA with 101 strikeouts in 60.2 innings. (Jorge Castillo, Los Angeles Times)
• The Yankees signed right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin to a minor league contract. (Robert Murray, FanSided)