MLB trade deadline: Latest rumors on Cubs’ Kris Bryant; Kimbrel reportedly headed to White Sox

Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant talks to reporters during the All-Star workout day in Denver. | Getty Images

Friday morning report indicates Rays have stepped up their interest in All-Star third baseman.

As MLB’s 3 p.m. trade deadline approaches — and as former teammate Anthony Rizzo prepares to join his new Yankees teammates — the Kris Bryant trade watch heats up.

And the Cubs and White Sox have reportedly made another deal. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Cubs will send closer Craig Kimbrel to the South Side in exchange for second baseman Nick Madrigal. That deal would come a day after the Cubs traded Ryan Tepera to the Sox.

Here’s the latest deadline buzz surrounding the Cubs’ All-Star third baseman.

Bryant remains one of the biggest names still available on deadline day. While there has been growing talk Friday that the Cubs might not part with Bryant, the Rays have emerged as a possible suitor.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports the Rays are interested in Bryant. They had also shown interest in Kimbrel.

Such a swap would make Rizzo and Bryant rivals in the American League East, putting an odd twist on the Bryzzo sensation in Chicago.

“All good things come to an end,” Rizzo told reporters after he was dealt Thursday to the Yankees. “I’m just focused on going to be a Yankee now. It’s just another really cool opportunity to play for another historic franchise. This will always be home for me, but like I’ve said, my best friend leaving, Jon Lester, he did the same thing. He has two special places in his heart.

“But for these next three months, it’s going to be fun. You go right into a race. Seeing the Yankees pull the triggers like this — get (Joey) Gallo, me now, obviously — that’s what they do. And they’re excited.”

The Mets have also reportedly shown interest in Bryant, though midday reports indicated the two sides are still far apart, according to MLB Network.

Several other teams have reportedly stepped up interest in Kimbrel, including the White Sox, who pulled off a trade Thursday with the Cubs, Dodgers and Braves.

Check back throughout the day for updates.

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