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Nationals Expect Harper To Test Open Market

By Jeff Todd | December 15, 2017 at 8:04am CDT

Dec. 15: USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tweets that the Nationals say the conversations about Harper were casual, and they fully expect Harper to test free agency next winter. The Nats still hope to re-sign Harper, he adds, but they seemingly don’t expect to be able to do so without him first exploring the open market.

Dec. 13, 2:54pm: Nationals president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo confirms the meeting, as Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports on Twitter, and adds that the sides also discussed other topics. That includes Anthony Rendon, another Boras client who is eligible for arbitration for the second-to-last time after a highly productive 2017 season. Rizzo says that a long-term arrangement with Rendon is “something we’ll certainly discuss,” as the Post’s Jorge Castillo tweets.

10:13am: Agent Scott Boras told the media today that he has engaged Nationals ownership in preliminary discussions about a potential extension for star outfielder Bryce Harper, as Jamal Collier of MLB.com was among those to report on Twitter. Those initial conversations occurred last month.

It is still far from clear whether there’s any real likelihood of a deal coming together before Harper reaches free agency after the 2018 season. Indeed, Boras would not commit to anything and also did not indicate whether there are clear plans for future talks.

That said, it’s notable that the sides are engaging early to explore the possibility of a deal. And there is little question that Boras and the Nats’ ownership can find a way to bridge differences. After all, they have struck numerous high-dollar deals; of greatest relevance here, the sides lined up on a rather surprising extension to keep Stephen Strasburg from reaching the open market.

Harper, who only just turned 25, dealt with an injury late in the 2017 season but nevertheless compiled an outstanding .319/.413/.595 batting line with 29 home runs in 492 plate appearances. He’s considered one of the game’s preeminent young hitters and is certainly one of its best-known players. The expectation long has been that Harper will prefer to test the open market, where his youth and talent will draw a bidding war, though it’s fair to wonder whether he’d also see some merit in striking a deal to stay with one organization (while also locking in earnings after a strong season).

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View Comments (150)

Comments

  1. eelektrik

    5 years ago

    I want the Angels to sign him next year so he can play alongside Trout.

    Reply
    • SundownDevil

      5 years ago

      More than likely that Harper signs in the northeast and Trout joins him there after 2020.

      Reply
      • DannyQ3913

        5 years ago

        Philly

        Reply
      • jorleeduf

        5 years ago

        Most likely Philly. Phillies are favorites to get Harper and by far the favorites to get Trout.

        Reply
        • bryzzo44017

          5 years ago

          Wtf are u talking about? Harper will take less money to play with best friend in Chicago.

        • kcusgnikcufsregdod

          5 years ago

          Lolno. Cant wait to see him sign elsewhere.

        • kcusgnikcufsregdod

          5 years ago

          Sorry that was meant to the cubs troll

        • raltongo

          5 years ago

          harper wont come, but trout will after 2020… harpers goin to CHC to pair up with KB

        • thesheriffisnear

          5 years ago

          If less money means only 400 mil, you might be right!

        • brucewayne

          5 years ago

          Harper is going to the team that offers him the most cheddar

        • chicagoguy7

          5 years ago

          Agreed! Why the F would he go to Philly??? He wants to play in Chicago with KB!

        • mikeyank55

          5 years ago

          If you were betting it would be prudent to place your money on NOT being the Mets. 10,000-1 odds

      • chound

        5 years ago

        To many down votes for the reality of this situation. I think you’re right.

        Reply
    • Codybellingersgrandma

      5 years ago

      I’m sure you do

      Reply
    • kcusgnikcufsregdod

      5 years ago

      Would have been possible if it werent for Pujols contract. Angels will also have to dish out serious $$ to Trout in a few years. And now paying JUp cash as well for next 5 seasons.

      Reply
      • Teufelshunde4

        5 years ago

        Don’t forget that if Othani pans out then that is a huge contract too. LA will be primed for Harper with over 100 million falling off their payroll and resetting their luxury tax% penalty.

        Reply
        • bigkempin

          5 years ago

          What LALA Land do you live in? The Angels will have $100M coming off the books? When? Trout is under contract for 3 years, Upton 5 years, Pujols 4 years……As of now (assuming they don’t sign any 1 year contracts) they stand to have $6M coming off the books after this season. They’ve also never crossed the luxury tax so…..

        • SheltonMatthews

          5 years ago

          My guess is he was talking about the actual team in LA, not the Angels

        • MaverickDodger

          5 years ago

          It’s funny when Angel fans forget their team plays in Anaheim

        • eelektrik

          5 years ago

          It’s mostly non-Angels fans that forget that. Most Angels fan seemed to dislike the name change to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

          Lets just go back to being the California Angels, the mid 90’s CA cap logo is still my favorite. Just don’t ever reuse the weird winged Angels logo and pinstripe uniforms.

        • GoRav114

          5 years ago

          I’m an Os fan but California Angels were always a favorite, mostly cause of that mid 90’s hat. I wish they would go back to

        • greatdaysports

          5 years ago

          You know, the team that hasn’t won a ring in 30 years.

      • raltongo

        5 years ago

        you had your chance to dish out $ to trout and you did… luckily he accepted it as a lil hometown discount… you wont have him after this contract

        Reply
    • RaysBaseball4

      5 years ago

      Upton, Trout, and Harper would be a pretty fun trio to watch. As long as Harper is kept out of the AL East, I’m a happy man lol

      Reply
      • eelektrik

        5 years ago

        As long as he doesn’t end up on the Yankees, I wish him luck with wherever he signs.

        Reply
        • RaysBaseball4

          5 years ago

          Would just rather Harper not face the Rays on a consistent basis is what I’m saying lol

    • bryzzo44017

      5 years ago

      Hold on. Doesnt anyone follow him on instagram/twitter. Hes made it clear he wants to play for the “super team” and with his best friend. The Cubs will have the money. Its a done deal

      Reply
      • raltongo

        5 years ago

        agreed

        Reply
  2. mamss

    5 years ago

    Boras is one of the best things to happen to baseball.

    Reply
    • Joe Kerr

      5 years ago

      You must be one of his clients

      Reply
    • Teufelshunde4

      5 years ago

      For players salaries for sure.. But the power the players wield now is more of a credit to Marvin Miller.

      Reply
      • Caseys Partner

        5 years ago

        Marvin Miller would vomit if he saw what the MLB players union has done to what he built. Every CBA for the past two decades has pushed the players backwards.

        Reply
        • JD396

          5 years ago

          Just for clarity, could you please specify which planet we’re talking about? Some might mistakenly believe you’re talking about something happing on or near the surface of Earth.

    • DimitriInLA

      5 years ago

      He really is a wonderful human being. He promotes loyalty as well as entirely accurate assessments of his players. He’s about honesty and integrity. Never misleads. As I raise my children I often refer to him for how to conduct a solid and well examined life.

      Reply
    • bastros88

      5 years ago

      Stephen Drew…….is that you!!!!

      Reply
    • chgobangbang

      5 years ago

      The e$calation of MLB contracts shows you how much Gigi the$e owners are making. No wonder they don’t want to open their books. Harper may cost more than to build a new stadium a few years back

      Reply
      • heffomite

        5 years ago

        What escalation? A-Rod got 25 per year 15 years ago! If anything the top end of the market has been stagnant for a decade. I think half the reason Boras wants Harper to enter free agency is he’s the one player who could force the top end of the market higher. I assume Boras will ask for 10/500 for Harper.

        Reply
        • chgobangbang

          5 years ago

          One guy got that because he cheated his way now that won’t buy you a good SP , that escalation . Middle relievers getting upwards towards 10 mil per year that escalation

  3. mcdusty31

    5 years ago

    That sure would make the Yankees decision to get Stanton look even better

    Reply
    • YankeeMan3099

      5 years ago

      Yanks never wanted Harper and I am happy we got Stanton instead, plus Stanton is a lot better than Harper when has Harper ever hit 59 home runs? NEVER

      Reply
      • natsgm

        5 years ago

        So if Harper hits 75 homeruns while batting .100 he would be better than Stanton? I mean if homeruns are the trump card then that has to be true.

        Reply
        • SundownDevil

          5 years ago

          Please don’t use the word “trump” as some people may end up triggered as a result.

        • mikeyank55

          5 years ago

          That’s the way the game is going, GM.

          Why not ask Mike Rizzo?

  4. fs54

    5 years ago

    WOW! If Harper signs an extension, he would be proving so many of us wrong. I thought he would test market for sure. Anyways, they are just talking.

    Reply
  5. leprechaun

    5 years ago

    Dream on Angel fans he will end up with the Cubs you can bet the farm on it. Bryant and Harper since high school have dreamed about playing together and it’s happening in 2019

    Reply
    • Cubman15

      5 years ago

      I hope you’re right! Trade a couple of our young bats to acquire some young pitching and keep our payroll as low as possible because Harper is going to cost a lot of bank!

      Reply
    • kcusgnikcufsregdod

      5 years ago

      He will not be a Cub.

      Reply
    • OldishCubsFan

      5 years ago

      And then Harper can rent out a couple villas to Bryant

      Reply
    • jorleeduf

      5 years ago

      Give up the farm. The Cubs are nowhere near the favorites to get him. The Phillies will get him.

      Reply
      • raltongo

        5 years ago

        nope…machado ans then trout… book it .. the phils would only conceivably offer harper 50mil more than the nats would in FA… would he go to the phils for that? NO. He will go Cubs, Nats, or (assuming DD stands relatively quiet this offseason), the RSox

        Reply
      • Cubman15

        5 years ago

        Please explain why the Phillies would be the favorite to get him….

        Reply
        • bryzzo44017

          5 years ago

          Lol. This should be good.

  6. yukongold

    5 years ago

    FAKE NEWS! He’s coming to NY.

    Reply
    • kcusgnikcufsregdod

      5 years ago

      An outfield of Judge, Harper and Stanton is as Yankee as you can get. Still think him being a Yankee is more realistic than the Cubs.

      Biggest threat to pry him away from Washington is the Dodgers. They didnt go hard for Stanton for a reason.

      Reply
      • Cubguy13

        5 years ago

        You can say the same thing about the Cubs, that they didn’t go hard after Stanton for a reason too. Though somehow you think the team that did go after Stanton and land him has a better chance at Harper than the Cubs.

        Reply
        • chgobangbang

          5 years ago

          Cubbies will need to start paying their youngins in next few years, Bryant etc so not sure how them or anyone can afford Harper . If yanks were to sign him then he and Stanton would be more than halfway to billion for 2 dudes yikes

        • heffomite

          5 years ago

          Harper will be half a billion by himself. 50 per year for 10 years.

        • chgobangbang

          5 years ago

          Even worse , price of poker rising

        • Cubman15

          5 years ago

          The Cubs have some young, proven and cheap talent in the big league roster. Those guys have years of club control left. Trade a couple of those guys for young and controllable pitching. Now you have lowered your payroll, fixed a need with pitching, cleared room for a possible Harper signing, while also keeping the door open to extensions for Rizzo and Bryant.

    • jorleeduf

      5 years ago

      No he’s not. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.

      Reply
  7. bigcheesegrilledontoast

    5 years ago

    Boras doing his thing, funny he mentions it now. Most likely JD’s market is tepid. Teams might be saying if we spend that much on a contract we’ll get better value next year. Make no mistake if a team pays JD what Boras is asking for he’s the world’s best salesman.

    Reply
    • CursedRangers

      5 years ago

      You are very likely spot on. Trying to build a sense of urgency for his stable of soon to be overpaid free agents from this offseason

      Reply
    • thefenwayfaithful

      5 years ago

      I didn’t think about this till you said it but you are spot on. Why overpay for Hosmer or Martinez this year if you’re the Red Sox when Machado and Harper are available next year? Unless you have a threshold such as we don’t give out contracts over $200 mil (which clearly no interested teams do). So that takes perhaps your best suitors at the start of the off-season off the table as teams that will overpay for him. I think Martinez does wind up in Boston but not nearly at the $160-200 mil price Boras wants. 5/$130 I think is what it will be and that’s an overpay as it is. I think due to a lack of need for a corner outfield power bat because outside of Arizona and San Francisco mentioned, the market is pretty limited. And Boston Arizona and San Fran are all more likely to wait out the superstar than overpay for the older and slower model. Also if you’re Boston, you either have to trade jbj or be ok with putting Hanley in an every day role at 1B and DH Martinez every day.

      I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants pulled the trigger though I guess as their window to contend is closing faster than Boston or Arizona. They may feel a need to do something this off-season rather than taking their chances next off-season when everyone is a year older.

      Reply
  8. ck420

    5 years ago

    He’s not worth it, take away his 2015 season and he looks like a 15m a year player to me.

    Reply
    • firstbleed

      5 years ago

      Yet he is only 25… he most likely has not reached his prime yet. So you’ll have to pay for that. No way he gets anything less than $25-30 a year.

      Reply
      • 377194

        5 years ago

        $30 million dollars a year for 5 years.

        Reply
    • aff10

      5 years ago

      Even taking away his best season, which is convenient, he’s been worth (in Fangraphs’ estimates), $30M, $29M, $11M (injury), $28M, $38M at ages 20-25 lol

      Reply
      • Dodgethis

        5 years ago

        Players aren’t paid solely based on performance. In fact marketability and additional revenue from merchandise, as well as name value play a huge factor in contracts. People don’t seem to understand that.

        Reply
    • kcusgnikcufsregdod

      5 years ago

      Lol ok

      Reply
    • Ted

      5 years ago

      Do you know what a true $15MM player is now? It’s Chase Headley, DJ LeMahieu, and Brandon Crawford territory — about 2 WAR in 2017.

      Reply
      • chgobangbang

        5 years ago

        And in dah NBA it’s a benchwarmer

        Reply
  9. limjaheytrailerparksupervisor

    5 years ago

    Let’s be realistic, the talks of an extension are just that, he’s gonna test the open market even with Stanton now on the Yankees. With the way the Nats tend to choke in the post season I’m sure he wouldn’t mind moving on from that franchise.

    Reply
  10. ChiSoxCity

    5 years ago

    Anyone else sick of the Yankees screwing over small market teams? Yankee privilege and entitlement continues to have a negative impact on the game. The commissioner should consider adopting a hard salary cap and anti-collusion rules to protect small market teams in light of the Stanton debacle and the financial pressure the Yankees exert on other teams who can’t afford to retain their players.

    Reply
    • aff10

      5 years ago

      I’m sure the commissioner would love to adopt a hard cap, but the PA has steadfastly refused that. They did institute a soft cap with the luxury tax threshold, which the Yankees are currently below for the first time ever, so this is an odd time to complain about that

      Reply
      • thefenwayfaithful

        5 years ago

        Hate defending the Yankees but let’s not forget that teams need to be discouraged from tanking and selling off their assets as well. Let’s not forget the Marlins have often been baseball’s most profitable team. This was why the big slew of signings happened with Reyes and company. The ownership was just putting money in it’s pockets. While I agree teams like the Yankees and Red Sox and Dodgers give them the path to do it, the end game failure here is in baseball’s lack of moderating profit on teams that tank for long periods of time or repeatedly. So while yes overspending penalties should increase, teams making too much profit and not reinvesting any of it should forfeit their competitive balance funding and/or draft slot money and have a salary floor instituted after year 2 or 3 to force them to field a competitive team. This day in age if you can’t sustain a $100 million+ payroll with competitive balance taxes and what not, there’s a reason for that and it’s that you’re not Fielding a competitive team. Increasing penalties on teams over the luxury tax even further or hard capping it at like $200 mil is a reasonable counterbalance, no doubt.

        It’s no shocker that of the 7 teams that were under the $100 million mark, 0 made the wild card. Of the 23 teams that were over $100 mil 10 made the playoffs. Last year (2016) I believe 1 of 10 teams made it (Indians) and they went on to increase payroll beyond $125 mil to continue to thrive this season. While it’s not this simple, in the given small sample, teams spending $100 mil+ have a 40-45% chance of a wild card birth whereas underspending gives a 1 or 2/17 or roughly 6-13% chance of a playoff birth. Yes it’s more complicated than that, but the numbers don’t lie. It’s not fair that owners are allowed to payroll dump like that for more than a season or 2.

        Teams need to stop trying to field the superteam bringing in years and years of high draft picks and prospects and focus on being competitive. Often it’s an underdog going in that makes a world series run. Just ask the Giants.

        Reply
        • JD396

          5 years ago

          Yeah, ask those scrappy underdog Giants. Precious.

      • chgobangbang

        5 years ago

        Agents would freak out right? Owners look what curt flood started

        Reply
    • alexgordonbeckham

      5 years ago

      What collusion? They had better deals in place with Cardinals and Giants. Stanton said no. Stanton said he only wanted to go to 4 teams. The past few days, it’s come out only 3 had interest (Yankees, Dodgers and Astros).

      Reply
    • Adam6710

      5 years ago

      I’m all for anti-collusion policies. You know, like the ones they already have that the Yankees and Marlins didn’t violate.

      Reply
    • kcusgnikcufsregdod

      5 years ago

      They may not have a hard salary cap but i do like the new luxury tax rule.

      I do agree, get a damn salary cap in baseball set.

      Reply
    • mikeyank55

      5 years ago

      Stop whining City. The Yankees like all teams pay penalties that finance small market teams and cheap owners. In the meantime, put your jealousy in the largest offender, the Dodgers. The Yankees will be under the cap this year.

      Reply
  11. nymetsking

    5 years ago

    don’t think it’s a coincidence he’s looking to extend with the Nats just days after the Yanks became a whole lot less likely to be a serious suiter

    Reply
    • HayMazer

      5 years ago

      Totally. If Nats are willing to extend to a ridiculous amount then the talks are worth it.
      With Yankees likely off the table( unless they can move Jacoby- Gardner off books if they want to let him go next year, but his 12MM likely goes to Players with ARB increases)

      Cubs would be in too.. ..

      At the same time perhaps the Nationals are doing an early measure. If Harper will cost 40MM/yr, perhaps they spend the money Differently and let him walk.

      Reply
      • geauxbraves

        5 years ago

        Braves fan first, Cubs fan second, and knowing the Braves won’t be in the bidding for Harper I hope the Cub are. However, I don’t care if he turns into the second coming of Babe Ruth, there’s is no way I’d handicap my team buy committing 40% or more of my payroll to one person..

        Trout and Harper, MLB’s next richest players imo, have yet to bring a championship to their organization. Not saying they won’t ever but you need a team to win a championship, not just one player. If most of your payroll is tied up in one player, how can you field a viable team with what’s left?

        Reply
        • chound

          5 years ago

          I really doubt the Braves will be players for Machado, Harper or even Trout. Just to much money. That said, I think the Braves are well on their way to build a brilliant team with FFreeman style deals. $21m vs $31m aav is a huge deal.

    • kcusgnikcufsregdod

      5 years ago

      Did you read the article? They had extension talks last month.

      Reply
    • chgobangbang

      5 years ago

      Good point, that’s a big ace team that won’t be bidding up cost. Thinking dodgers nats and whom else can afford Harper? Sorry beside Red Sox

      Reply
      • Cubman15

        5 years ago

        Cubs, Yankees

        Reply
  12. SimonSwings

    5 years ago

    Lol, I’m sure the Nats are meeting the guaranteed money ask, but Boras/Harper are having trouble negotiated them down from the deferment of 100MM years…

    Reply
    • JD396

      5 years ago

      40M/yr for 15 years, and an additional 400M deferred, to be paid in monthly installments of $19.99

      Reply
  13. jojoswankcx

    5 years ago

    Bryce Harper has to go. The nationals will never get out the first round

    Reply
  14. TheWestCoastRyan

    5 years ago

    If I had to guess, these “talks” involved Boras setting some horrifyingly high figure (like well into the $500m’s) and the Nats going “Well, okay then.”

    Reply
  15. mike156

    5 years ago

    Boras isn’t really expecting an extension–he’s looking for floor “we have an offer for $350M over 10 years.”

    Reply
  16. Potpot106

    5 years ago

    He is signing with philly. Along with Machado and trading for trout.

    Reply
    • Adam6710

      5 years ago

      Don’t forget the inevitable Kershaw signing! I also think they’ll trade for Jose Altuve, Corey Kluber, and Aaron Judge. PHILLIES: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 World Series Champions!!!

      Reply
      • jorleeduf

        5 years ago

        I don’t think you understand that the Phillies are actually very likely to sign both. They are the favorites.

        Reply
      • JD396

        5 years ago

        2025, too. Judge will have a team option year.

        Reply
  17. bitterpadresfan

    5 years ago

    1…billion…dollars

    Reply
  18. SundownDevil

    5 years ago

    He’s certain to get over $400 million… 15 years for $500 million? Or a shorter term 10 years for $400+ million?

    Reply
  19. southbeachbully

    5 years ago

    As a Yankee fan this pleases me. Continue on.

    Reply
  20. ck420

    5 years ago

    These contracts are ridiculous. That’s why I don’t go to games or buy jerseys. Can’t support this lunacy.

    Reply
    • fs54

      5 years ago

      But you do support it by watching games on TV.

      Reply
      • JD396

        5 years ago

        Like complaining about commercializing Christmas while you’re in the checkout line

        Reply
  21. Red_Line_9

    5 years ago

    Boras being his benevolent self. Totally has nothing to do with Stanton c-ock blocking Harper in New York.

    Reply
  22. Dotnet22

    5 years ago

    Least shocking news of the day. Harper will test the open market.

    Reply
  23. Frank kemble

    5 years ago

    Biggest threat to land Harper or Machardo or Kershaw: The Phillies.

    3 reasons – 1. They have one contract on the books..for 6 million annually…thats it.. For a big market team to pay 40 a year to get Harper or less for Kershaw with an open book and blank checkbook, its them.
    2. That young core in philly will have a whole year together and get that much better. Harper or marchardo, with hoskins, crawford, williams, herrea, kingery… Could become 2008 again real fast in philly with just a few additions…
    3. Ownership in philly hates not spending money……they’ll give 400 to harper and 200 for kershaw.

    Reply
    • chgobangbang

      5 years ago

      Didn’t know philly is a big market team, maybe a secondary market team

      Reply
  24. stretch123

    5 years ago

    He’ll be either go to the Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels, or stay home with the Nationals. My money is that he goes to the Phillies or goes out west to join the Dodgers. Could also see him staying with the Nats but I don’t think he’ll ever win with the Nats and he knows that…

    Reply
    • natsgm

      5 years ago

      hilarious comment. Makes so much sense. Would love to hear your arguement for never winning with Nationals.

      Reply
      • baseballpun

        5 years ago

        The past 5 years.

        Reply
        • JD396

          5 years ago

          Boom. You win.

      • jorleeduf

        5 years ago

        Are you dumb? That’s why they got a new manager. They can’t win.

        Reply
        • natsgm

          5 years ago

          No but arguing that any of those seasons has to do with the other is…

          Literally no logical way to say Nats cant win and then relate it to post season success of four different teams.

        • natsgm

          5 years ago

          A more sound arguement would be that the constant new managers is actually whats wrong.

    • Senioreditor

      5 years ago

      LA is definitely in play. They have more than 60 million coming off the books after next season.

      Reply
      • bigyoonit

        5 years ago

        Maybe, but it’s doubtful this FO wants to spend big money on a FA like Harper. They haven’t shown a tendency to put up the money for long, expensive contracts. Plus they have Puig for another year after this and a couple of intriguing OF prospects developing in the minors. Also, don’t forget that $30+ million of that should be earmarked for Kershaw extension. At least it had better be.

        Reply
  25. Wainofan

    5 years ago

    I know the cubs basically print money like the other big market teams, but can they afford heyward, Bryant in couple years, Harper and other young core coming up for free agency soon? If Bryant continues he could potentially top Harper. Heyward is signed through 2024 so that could easily be 100 million plus a year for three players? Not to mention rest of young core who will be free agents or extended by then. Serious question here.

    Reply
    • Yankeepatriot

      5 years ago

      Their best hope is that heyward has a career year in his opt out year and then he opts out

      Reply
    • ChiSoxCity

      5 years ago

      Of course the Cubs can afford to add $50MM to $70MM their annual payroll without breaking a sweat. That would put them well over $200MM+, and the only teams currently allowed to go over that dollar figure are the Dodgers and Yankees. So the simple answer is no, the league will not allow the Cubs to add significant salary until one of NY or LA win a championship first. Yeah, it’s rigged and the consumers who don’t realize it are the ones getting screwed.

      Reply
    • Djones246890

      5 years ago

      They can put the pressure on Heyward to opt out, which is more than likely what’s going to happen.

      Reply
    • chgobangbang

      5 years ago

      Need a way to rid themselves of heyward$ contract. An Epstein stain no one talks about because they are too busy patting him on back. He is good I will give him that but like all not perfect

      Reply
      • Solaris601

        5 years ago

        Right!!! The Heyward contract is a prime candidate for the most glaring albatross in baseball history, and there’s no way to candy coat it, spin it, or justify it. Massive mistake on Epstein’s part, and he’ll forever own it.

        Reply
  26. Yankeepatriot

    5 years ago

    Stanton will look like a bargain compaired to machado and Harper, especially Harper

    Reply
    • JDGoat

      5 years ago

      It’ll still be an awful contract

      Reply
      • Yankeepatriot

        5 years ago

        Not the best contact in the world but it will pale in comparison to Harper lol

        Reply
        • JD396

          5 years ago

          A bad contract is a bad contract, other ones being as bad or worse don’t really change that..

    • Kslaw

      5 years ago

      Harper is a huge injury risk for that kind of money. Half his career has been under 120 games a season.

      Heck Stanton has only done it 3 out of 7 years (rookie season removed)

      A lot of money for guys who spend a bunch of time on the DL.

      Reply
    • chgobangbang

      5 years ago

      Yep he will want to renegotiate in a few years 🙂 unless there’s an opt out he’s stuck , I know tough right

      Reply
  27. WazBazbo

    5 years ago

    I bet Harper winds up making at LEAST a thousand dollars a year!!!

    Reply
    • WazBazbo

      5 years ago

      …and possibly, a thousand dollars for every time he swings a bat…

      Reply
      • JD396

        5 years ago

        A thousand dollars every time he sees a bat

        Reply
  28. bryzzo44017

    5 years ago

    Follow him on social media people. Hes made it clear he will take less money to play with his best friend in Chicago. Yes, he scoffed at 400 million. I cant wait to watch him turn down more money from 4 or 5 other teams to go to the cubs.

    Reply
    • chgobangbang

      5 years ago

      Don’t hold your breath, boras won’t let him. Thought they hated each other growing up together in Vegas ?

      Reply
    • Yankeepatriot

      5 years ago

      Not to say you are wrong but I would like direct quotes showing this

      Reply
  29. Blake Camden

    5 years ago

    He’ll sign with the Mets.

    Reply
    • JD396

      5 years ago

      Rays.

      Reply
  30. Djones246890

    5 years ago

    He will be a Cub. His best buddy (Kris Bryant) is actively recruiting him, and Harper has dropped many hints that he would like to play for the Cubs, for the past 6 months. Also, the moves that Theo and Jedd have made, so far, indicate that they’re clearing enough monetary space for him.

    Reply
    • chgobangbang

      5 years ago

      Still need to dump heyward$ salary. Not sure what other monetary moves they are making to make room for him? Not signing JA is nothing to what Harper will cost

      Reply
  31. kiddhoff

    5 years ago

    Let me be the first to welcome him to the Cardinals!

    Reply
    • chgobangbang

      5 years ago

      That would crap in everyone’s hat

      Reply
  32. JD396

    5 years ago

    And here I thought the Nationals expected him to take a 20% hometown discount

    Reply
  33. Yankeepatriot

    5 years ago

    If the cubs let Rizzo walk then they will go all out for Harper. Rizzo is a pending free agent right or am I mistaken ?

    Reply
    • ChiSoxCity

      5 years ago

      Why would the Cubs let Rizzo walk?

      Reply
    • Aaron Sapoznik

      5 years ago

      Anthony Rizzo was signed to a very team friendly 7 yrs/$42M contract extension thru 2019, (13-19) with $16.5M team options in each of 20-21.

      Reply
      • chgobangbang

        5 years ago

        I’m sure him and agent no likey dat

        Reply
  34. cjuluca

    5 years ago

    Marlins have some cash coming off the books next year.

    Reply
  35. Aaron Sapoznik

    5 years ago

    I expect Bryce Harper to be in Chicago come opening day 2019, perhaps on the South Side but much more likely on the North Side joining fellow Las Vegas native and MVP Kris Bryant.

    Reply
    • chgobangbang

      5 years ago

      I thought they hated each other bitter rivals growing up in Vegas bickering over who was better? Or maybe it was their helicopter Dads? Anyways good to know they matured and made peace. Was he at bryants wedding this year?

      Reply
      • JKB

        5 years ago

        You thought what? No they have been good friends since childhood. No bickering and no issues with parents.

        Never even been any reports like that.

        This is just some crap you made up in your head saying they hate each other and bicker over who is better. You are a fool

        Reply
  36. dbec72

    5 years ago

    We will see what is most important to him. Hopefully it is winning and playing with his friend KB and not the biggest contract. I Never liked J Hey’s deal even when I thought he might hit .280 and 20hr 80rbi 20stls. When he got more than 5yrs and 85mil it was not a wise investment to say the least.

    Reply

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