Cubs sign Kris Bryant for $1.05M, a second-service-year MLB record

TheChicago Cubshave rewarded reigning National League MVP Kris Bryantwith a $1.05 million, one-year deal, league sources confirmed Thursday night to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. The contract makes him the highest-paid player in his second year of service time in MLB history.

Bryant, who won't be eligible for arbitration until next year, was arguably the best offensive player on the best team in the game and showed exceptional defensive versatility by playing in both the infield and the outfield as the Cubs ended a 108-year World Series title drought.

The 25-year-old's deal surpasses the 2014 contract ofLos Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout, who re-signed then for an even $1 million.

Although Bryant has played two full seasons, he has not hit second-service-year eligibility because of the controversial delay by the Cubs on his initial call-up as a rookie.

The Cubs gained an extra year of service out of Bryant before he can become a free agent when they kept him in the minors for 11 days before his debut on April 17, 2015. That spring, Bryant became the first player in at least a decade to lead the Grapefruit League and Cactus League in home runs and not make an Opening Day roster.

MLB players can become eligible for free agency after their sixth year of service time.

FanRag Sports earlier reported Bryant's new contract.

Bryant hit .292 with 39 homers and 102 RBIs in just his second year in the majors, helping the Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908. Bryant was the unanimous 2015 NL Rookie of the Year after he hit .275 with 26 homers and 99 RBIs.

Information from The Associated Press and ESPN's Jesse Rogers contributed to this report.