MESA, Ariz. (AP) — NL MVP Kris Bryant and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.05 million in the major leagues, a record for an unsigned player under club control with less than two years of major league service.
The agreement, announced Thursday, tops Mike Trout’s $1 million salary with the Los Angeles Angels in 2014.
In the unlikely event that Bryant is sent to the minors, his salary would drop to $326,000.
Last season, he made $652,000.
Bryant hit .292 with 39 homers, 102 RBIs and a major league-leading 121 runs, helping the Cubs win their first World Series title since 1908.
Entering this season with 1 year, 171 days of major league service, Bryant almost certainly will be eligible for salary arbitration next winter.