Report: Kris Bryant loses service-time grievance against Cubs

Third baseman Kris Bryant has lost his service-time grievance against the Chicago Cubs, reports ESPN's Jeff Passan.

As a result, Bryant won't become a free agent until after the 2021 season. The decision is expected to be made official within the week, sources told Passan.

The 28-year-old was seeking an extra year of service time, as he spent the first two weeks of the 2015 season in Triple-A despite dominant numbers in spring training.

Had he been summoned to the majors a day earlier, Bryant would have ended the campaign with 172 days of service - or a full year. That one day delayed Bryant's free agency by a full season.

Bryant went on to appear in 151 games and make 650 plate appearances for the Cubs that season, winning the National League Rookie of the Year and earning an All-Star nod in the process. He'd go on to claim the NL MVP award the following year.

With the grievance resolved, Bryant's trade value has become more clear to the Cubs and potential teams interested in acquiring him. Chicago has reportedly been shopping Bryant this winter and can now request more in negotiations, as he's under team control for an additional year.

Bryant has been one of the league's most productive hitters since debuting in the majors, authoring a .284/.385/.516 slash line with 138 home runs, 167 doubles, and 403 RBIs.