MLB Rumors: Kris Bryant Expected to Sign in American League West

The Kris Bryant sweepstakes were running rampant before the lockout and with the news of a potential collective bargaining agreement being reached in the next week or so, look for the talent left on the free agent market to sign new contracts. Bryant is certainly a player several teams have interest in adding but according to reports, it sounds like the decision could all be but done.

Bryant has been named a favorite to sign with the Seattle Mariners. A team that's already had a very productive offseason adding the AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray and management is apparently no where close to being done.

Seattle had a tremendous amount of interest in adding the versatile Bryant at the trade deadline last season but wasn't able to finalize a deal with the Chicago Cubs. The third baseman/outfielder was of course shipped off to the San Francisco Giants and it's sounding like that was just a temporary place holder for his career.

The Mariners lost Kyle Seager to retirement and look to Bryant to fill the void at third base for the foreseeable future. He just turned 30 years old and will likely sign a contract for at least five years. Seattle makes a ton of sense, not only because the need on their roster but also their appeal to Bryant. Their spring training facility is in Arizona and Seattle is in close proximity to Las Vegas, where the long-time Cub resides in the offseason.

While the Mariners seem to be the heavy favorite at this point, two dark horses to look out for: Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays.