John Lannan Rumors: Cubs, Nationals Deny Interest in Lannan, Marlon Byrd

It appears the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals are not as much of a fit for an early-season trade as initially speculated.  At least that’s what the Cubs and Nationals are portraying.  Chicago says it’s not interested in Lannan at the Nationals current asking price, while Washington is saying it’s not interested in Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd.

A source has told Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune that a deal between the Nationals and Cubs is not imminent.  According to this “highly placed” source with the Nationals, the club is denying reports of their interest in acquiring Byrd.  Washington has been tied to center fielders for much of the past year-plus, including Byrd.

However, the Nationals are reportedly prepared to wait for top prospect Bryce Harper to take over in center field, likely later this season.

The same source said that Washington isn’t “actively shopping” Lannan.  This lines up with comments made by Nationals manager Davey Johnson and GM Mike Rizzo.

But Washington’s not the only team involved stating their un-interest in a trade.  According to Sullivan, the Cubs are “not willing to take on Lannan’s $5 million salary to be a middle reliever” and the team is satisfied with their starting depth at Triple-A.

Of course anything can still happen, but as of now it doesn’t appear that John Lannan and Marlon Byrd will be trading teams anytime soon.

For more on the Cubs and Nationals, be sure to check out Cubbies Crib and District on Deck.

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