Cubs' Kris Bryant Talks Service Time Grievance, Has 'No Hard Feelings' Toward Cubs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- In less than five years Kris Bryant has been the Rookie of the Year, National League MVP and a World Series champ, but now we don't even know if he'll start the season in a Cubs uniform.
Bryant arrived late Friday night in Mesa, and his first stop Saturday morning was the media room to set the record straight because it's been a wild winter filled with rumors.
A candid Bryant spoke at Cubs training camp Saturday morning. He spoke at length on his service time grievance, whether he'll be a Cub for life and more.
Bryant said he felt strongly about filing his service time grievance and says there are "no hard feelings" toward the Cubs.
"That took forever," he said. "It really did. At the beginning I was told it would take maybe a couple weeks. Obviously I knew it was an uphill battle going into it. Obviously we had a disagreement. I'm very glad that we handled it respectfully."
A candid Kris Bryant on why he felt strongly about filing his service time grievance and says there are no hurt feelings whatsoever towards #Cubs. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/eFHezj7gpl
— Krista Ruch (@KristaCBS2) February 15, 2020
He eventually lost, so it will be two full seasons before he hits free agency.
Bryant shut down rumors that there was ill will toward the team and said he saw the issue as a process that would eventually help the players in the next round of negotiating.
"I was going to be that guy who had the courage to do it, and I knew there was going to be backlash for it. I understand it, but it was really important to me," he said.
More Bryant on defending himself against contract extension rumors. #KrisBryant @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/v9GvzhZ0Oh
— Krista Ruch (@KristaCBS2) February 15, 2020
Watch the full interview below.