JANUARY 7: The meeting will occur this coming Saturday, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Phillies owner John Middleton will head up a contingent that will visit Harper and Boras in Las Vegas.
JANUARY 2: The Phillies are planning to meet with Bryce Harper in Las Vegas within “the next week or so,” a source tells NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury. This comes on the heels of a Winter Meetings chat between the team and Scott Boras, Harper’s agent, that wasn’t attended by the free agent outfielder.
While Philadelphia has long been linked to Harper, it seems the team has directed much of its attention towards Manny Machado in recent weeks. Reports from the aftermath of Machado’s visit with the team indicated that the Phillies preferred Machado to Harper if they had to pick between the two superstars, and Salisbury writes that “Machado remains the Phillies’ primary focus.” That said, the Phillies know they have at least two other major suitors for Machado in the form of the Yankees and White Sox, so obviously it makes for the Phils to explore all options with Harper should Machado sign elsewhere.
The more nebulous nature of Harper’s market also presents some opportunity for the Phillies to strike, while there is some sense of a “final three” for Machado, there has yet to be such a level of concrete public interest exhibited by Harper’s suitors. The Dodgers, Nationals, White Sox, and Cubs (if they can free up some payroll) all have at least some level of interest in Harper, though other potential suitors like the Yankees, Cardinals, Giants, or Braves all seem to be on the periphery of talks, if involved whatsoever. Some teams already held face-to-face meetings with Harper during the Winter Meetings or at Harper’s home in Las Vegas, though the exact identities of the teams involved is still somewhat vague.
The Phillies have a clear positional need for Harper and seemingly little in the way of payroll constraints that other teams are facing to fit Harper within the luxury tax threshold. Therefore, there’s certainly room for the Phils to push their way to the front of the pack if they so desire. If the Phillies would indeed “probably have to significantly outbid the Yankees to land” Machado, as Salisbury writes, Philadelphia might prefer to simply direct its resources to a superstar that the Yankees (seemingly) aren’t pursuing.
Yes, yes and more yes. Get it done Phillies.
Agreed. I’d rather have Harper as a lefty to balance out the righty heavy line up.
Only Rh bat in the outfield other than McCutchen is Altherr,so Harper would more than likely be replacing a lh bat.
Are they planning on moving Hoskins back to 1st?
Yes. That’s why (primarily) Santana was moved.
Agree! On point!!!
phillies2190………..
If you look at their splits I would prefer consistency which = Manny
Manny vs RHP .282/.333/.491 tOPS+ 100 ….vs LHP .284/.342/.474 tOPS+ 99
Harper vs RHP .288/.402/.543 tOPS+ 110….vs LHP .258/.354/.442 tOPS+ 82
Last time I checked, there are more RH pitchers than LH…ssssooo….
I am aware of that. In any given year the % fluctuates from 25% up to almost 40%. That said I would still rather have the consistency instead of drops of .30/48/101
Harper doesn’t want to play in Phil.
Helps Scott get even more leverage…….
Who doesn’t know that?
Thanks Larry…when did you have the telecon with him?
Until someone makes Harper an offer the Dodgers won’t have an offer to beat.
Only team Machado signs with is the Yankees it’s a matter of when not if let’s be real so I have to believe that the Phillies will throw the most money Harpers way and if not maybe the Dodgers swoop in and get it done but Philly needs Harper I believe or its a failed off season. If the Dodgers sign him it’s probably one of the best off seasons for any team. Who knows maybe he stays in DC!
This meeting was expected. I truly don’t think harper wants to go to Chicago (Sox) or Philadelphia though
Anyone really think Harper or Machado will choose the Phils? I’m skeptical.
It’s crap shoot. They can spend the most and they are trending up. They can easily outspend the doyuers and the Yankees.
@lowtalker1 the only way the Yankees get outspent is if they allow it. To say the Phillies can out spend the Yanks is laughable!
Yankees have money yes. You are seriously discrediting how much money the phils have, how little money they have tied up, and have wealthy the ownership is there.
Seeing as nobody has ever gotten a multi-billion dollar contract, literally every time a team has ever gotten outspent is because they “allowed” it
Your comment is laughable, as well as your narrow view of the world. Get out and see / hear and better yet, learn.
Yet again……..
The Phillies job this off-season is to drive the price of free agents up.
That idea is so over rated
Certainly, if the offers go to 10 years 325+ million. Other teams may not want to do that but the Phillies are definitely in the position to do that. It’s no secret both want record setting contracts. Maybe Manny takes less to be with the Yankees but I can see Harper taking the biggest offer.
problem is … i have read he wants to be near his home of vegas…philly doesn’t offer that…
It is amazing how unimportant that will become once the money is on the table.
Nobody ever chooses Philadelphia for anything.
wrong
Ask Ryan Howard why he stayed.
Ryan Howard was a bad temp
“Nobody ever chooses Philadelphia for anything.”
Jim Thome on line one, Placido Polanco on line two, Papelbon on line 3, Raul Ibanez, Cliff Lee on line 4
6 players, neat. Philadelphia is a monster sports city that loves their franchises but they struggle at landing top free agents. The fans may come across as missing a couple chromosomes (listen to wing bowl clips) but they bleed their team colors….Harper is a huge sports fan and he could find that more attractive than White Sox or Yankees and the different animal of a fan base. Don’t get me wrong, both cities have a great fan base but having been to all three cities for games in all major sports, Philadelphia was nuts compared to the other two….
Cat, they can’t handle the truth…
‘Tis sad
Truthfully, I would rather sign with any other team than Philly. In ten years, their idiotic fans will make it hell on earth for Harper, who will be on the decline. Boston and Philly are home to the biggest tools in all of sports; except Red Sox fans actually go to the game for reasons other than to get wasted and throw batteries at their own players.
Plus, I’m pretty sure Phillies have had a handful of the worst teams in baseball history. 14 100 loss seasons? What a terrible franchise.
You’re a moron. Haven’t had a 100 loss season since the 40s. Never threw batteries at our own players… That happened one time too a visiting player… who was, in fact, a tool. Every big market is hard to play for if you suck…especially if you’re making big $$$. Its easy avoid… Don’t suck.
You’re a moron. Haven’t had a 100 loss season since the 40s. Never threw batteries at our own players… That happened one time too a visiting player… who was, in fact, a tool. Every big market is hard to play for if you suck…especially if you’re making big $$$. Its easy avoid… Don’t suck
You’re a dope
they all left Philly
The Wing Bowl represents Philly fans?
You know nothing. That’s why the Wing Bowl is going extinct in 2019.
Fools will be fools.
They have so many losses because they’ve been around longer than any other current team.. that’s just math.
Don’t forget Benjamin Franklin.
That guy left to play for France for a long time. He did come back strong though.
I also agree that it’s a crap shoot….I figure it’s either the Dodgers or Phillies.
Dodgers?? Shorter deal but absolutely a new record for single season salary…they’ll offer 3 or so years and he’ll be able to do this all again if he wants a 10 year deal when it’s over….Win right away and be in LA
Phillies?? Get that record deal now…get the prestige and the bragging rights and all that….Win soon(?) but clearly a team on the rise.
I see the ChiSox as Boras leverage
It’ll be a big overpay if they get either
I really want one of them too, but I’m not sure either will go there. seems like they are thinking about what they personally want more then they are about money. (Understandably so) and They will get paid record breaking money no matter where they sign. It’s a matter of where they want to. Machado grew up a yankee fan so the Yankees have that in their favor and Harper will be close to home with the dodgers (not to mention all the extra money he could make through sponsorships etc..) so I guess it’s a long shot. But if they are really pushing for the most money they can get then philly is it.
MLB players don’t make the tens of millions with endorsements that most people think. For instance…… Trout made $2.5M last year, Kershaw who is a god in LA made $800,000, Price…$650,000, Velander…$1M
link to forbes.com
Never said it was tens of millions, just said extra money. He could easily sign a deal with the dodgers almost equal to what the Phillies could offer and still get extra money in endorsements. That’s all
If they offer them the most money then yes either could sign with the Phils. They’ll go where they get the most money, just like always.
Money talks
Definitely not Machado!!! No way he’s signing with the Phillies. At this point the Yankees should just introduce Machado. It’s inevitable really
I’m patiently waiting for a Phils fan to announce that both Harper and Machado will sign with them. Not one, but both.
You will have a very long wait
Bull, that has been announced in these forums quite a few times., Casey’s partner most of all
Casey must have killed his partner!!
CP (formally free_aec here and a great many other places before being banned almost everywhere….but still that on his failed blog) is now ScottRolen
Not sure how MLBTR would react to me explaining it….just Google it, complete with the underscore. The first link (Kiwi farms) that pops up explains a lot.
Let’s just say that “freedom” is something birds in a cage, as well as others in similar situations desire. His so-called life is an open book online.
There is also no doubt that “free” and CP are the same person….he admits to it on his blog when MLBTR banned CP the first time
Scariest thing on his blog when MLBTR banned him was the ending. He posted a picture of the shot out Mandalay Bay windows and said something like “there is only so much a man can take”
stands for mentally ill….
Not sure you knew this, but some years ago, I had to report him to the FBI..Shortly afterwards, MLB banished him..
Dads… “Not sure you knew this, but some years ago, I had to report him to the FBI..Shortly afterwards, MLB banished him..
The “email” thing?”
I know you are former Philly LEO from the now defunct Phillies comments and I know of his history both in CA and back east.
BTW I was Prof. I. P. Freely on the Phillies site
I had no idea of who that guy was. I can’t believe I wasted time trying to reason with him Sheesh!
Pax………You are better off trying to discuss quantum mechanics with an eggplant
Never..would you rather have Harper and Machado over trout and Harper (or ) Machado? You sign both of them, the Phillies really have zero chance of getting trout. I’d rather suck another 2 more years and get Our guy than be stuck with either of these 2 for 10 years. Assuming they are still in the running for trout, after signing one of the two I would take Harper in a second
Please stop with the trout talk… Especially as a silver lining for not signing these guys. He’s either getting traded for the biggest haul in mlb history or signing a historic extension.
Trout to Philly, is a reality. Angels fans admit they are concerned, as it is a real threat. To me, I put very strong odds that he is playing in Philadelphia in the next 4 years, through trade or FA signing. Most likely FA. Will see, he either resigns with opt outs with the angels or opts for
FA. Once this BH/MM saga ends, you’ll start learning which way it’s going to go
So Trout will turn down an extension that’ll be historic so that he can get the same deal with the Phillies? Because he goes to eagle games? And the trade to get him would completely gut the team. It’s a trade of the likes we’ve never seen. I hope he comes to Philly… I just don’t see it happening and hate when they show him celebrating a td at the linc and people use that as proof that all the roadblocks in the way of getting him will disappear
> Trout will turn down an extension that’ll be historic so that he can get the same deal with the Phillies?
Yes, I think that is exactly the logic. Trout and his wife (who still works in NJ) are from the area, he’s a Philly sports fan, the Angels have failed to build a successful team around him, etc.
You couldn’t have had a more generic fan response than that. Being a Philly sports team means nothing… How’d that work out for Corbin… A big Yankee fan…
Do you really think generational players make their decisions based on where they are from?
No way Trout signs an extension. He will easily be the highest paid ballplayer ever when he hits FA. Probably $50M a year for howeever many years (12 isnt unrealistic) He isnt signing anything with LA. 10 years, 1 playoff game. Trade haul… maybe, but Arte already said he wont trade him. Maybe next year but how much do you trade for a rental at that long term cost.
“Do you really think generational players make their decisions based on where they are from?”
It can obviously make a huge decision in their thinking and decisions, yeah! I think he still lives there in the offseason and had huge ties to the area. Barry Bonds signed in SF partly because he wanted to come home to the Bay Area, and I’m fairly certain he stayed as long as he did because of that. Ken Griffey pushed a trade to Cincinnati (Cincinnati!) to be home again.
Did you know Pennsylvania’s income tax is 3% while his income tax in California is 13.3%? If you make, say, $30 million a year that’s $900,000 in PA versus $3,900,000 in CA each and every year. So say he does a $400 million contract….
Yea, I want them both…Get it done Cash…oooops, oh wait…wrong team
Call me when get out of rehab! Both??? Really good chance they lose out on both. They have absolutely no chance of signing Machado No chance!
Well this will be awkward… Harper will have already signed his contract with the Yankees by then. Will he wear his Yankee uniform to the meeting?
The rest of the American League is praying that the Yanks hand him another A-Rod/Stanton like contract. It would be very entertaining to enjoy the ****storm Yank fans rain down on him every other down season he has.
I don’t think Cashman is dumb enough to throw insane money at Harper.
Never happen! Harper will never be a Yankee. Machado is as good as signed as we will see by next week. Cashman will be introducing Machado and his family to NYC.
I think the Cubs will find a way to dump a combination of Chatwood, Darvish, Heyward, Morrow and/or Zobrist to make room for Harper.
If the cubs didn’t snag chatwood and darvish last off season I think they would have been the favorite for Harper. All of those names besides for morrow and zobrist are unmovable
“All of those names besides for morrow and zobrist are unmovable”
That’s what they said about Hoer Bailey and Robinson Cano. Anyone can be moved. Add a prospect… throw in $… eat another bad contract. It can be done.
Mariners gave up an elite closer to move Cano and reds took on Matt Kemp and a whole bunch of salary to move bailey.
Cubs don’t have prospects like they use to nor would they part with Baez Bryant and Happ Bote aren’t enough to move darvish or heyward who’s on the books till 2024 and Cubs can’t take on salary as they’re already over the 206 mark.
It only works if you’re able to and Cubs aren’t able to.
They should find a way to dump those players simply to retain the core that they spent years building,. Not to spend it all on a single player in the form of another massive contract.
What sane GM would take on Darvish, Heyward, or Chatwood without the Cubs paying almost all of the remaining financial commitment? Those players are all garbage.
I wouldn’t call Darvish garbage. He was injured almost all of 2018 so the jury is ultimately still out. Chatwood I don’t think they could give away. At least Heyward still provides value with his glove but his offense has made that contract a mess.
The jury is still out with regard to whether he’ll play again. Cubs were dumb and should have just signed Arrieta.
His glove does not provide anywhere close to enough value to justify his horrible bat and that contract. But for that contract, he likely wouldn’t be in the league at this point.
If he was injured all of 2018 no one will take on the contract. If Theo could dump it he would in a second
if chicago pays all but 5-8 Million per year some team will take Heyward.
How? In what circumstance would any team take on Heyward?
Heyward will be back in a Braves uniform before Harper signs.
To form a gaping hole and strikeout in every rally and rbi opportunity.
Haven’t you heard? RBI are stupid.
I keep hearing this. Then I see someone hit a guy home with a double and stand on a base and I cheer. So does the rest of the stadium. The more he does it the more we like the guy.
It’s odd how stupid we all are.
I honestly don’t think Manny or Bryce are sold on Philly. I think the number one option in both of their minds are the Yankees. Manny will likely be in NY, and I think if Bryce can’t go to NY he’ll wind up with either of the Chicago teams or the Dodgers or STL
No way the cards spend that type of money
I think they could and would
Until they show they are willing to do it I won’t think otherwise
Cards fan here. They have shown willingness to take on that kind of commitment (Stanton), but I generally agree that I don’t believe they’re willing to do what it would take to sign Harper (ie – significantly outbid the Yanks, the Dodgers, and maybe even the Phillies) until they actually do it.
Not once has any report come out indicating Harper prefers NY. In fact, reports have come out that he prefers LA as opposed to NY.
He’s said multiple times his favorite team growing up was the Yankees. That’s kinda what everyone is going with saying his preference is to play with the Yanks. Which isn’t far fetched. Mannys fav player was ARod and it’s been told his fav team growing up was also the Yankees. So I mean take it all as u will
Wrong he has made clear he wants to play for dodgers and plus he would be closer to ho.e
Who cares who he rooted for.
Has Bryce visited any of these teams at their facilities? Or is he literally just concerned with the most $$$?
I think that Bryce has played the Phillies enough to know about CBP, the city and fans.
I think this is a clear indication that they are not getting Machado. Especially with the reports yesterday that Manny Machado followed with the yes network on his Instagram and now the Phillies are actually going to travel out here to Vegas. Clear indication they might be out on Machado.
Manny sitting at home and decides to follow YES Network…… ring….ring
Manny: Hello
Cashman: Hey Manny, just wanted to let you know we are signing Troy to fill in until Didi is back. ( link to twitter.com )
Manny: Ummmmmmm….OK Thanks
Un-follow YES Network…..click
Harper to the Dodgers Machado to the Giants
Funniest and most ridiculous post on here I’ve read ever. 0% either of those happen
But where would Panda play?!
Giants could trade Panda back to Boston for Swihart
Phillies are about to pivot away from Machado, fingers crossed
I don’t know why the fact that Manny Machado had two major leg related surgeries 1 on each leg never is hardly mentioned. He has a terrible attitude and does not Hustle. You think giving him at 8 to 10 year contract is going to make his attitude or hustle improve. Odds are it gets exponentially worse. Don’t forget Camden Yards is one of the easier places to hit home runs as well and his lifetime on base is not Super Star status. This guy screams regrets not far down the road. The Phillies are in great position to actually spend money on guys after the dust settles and get value, but it seems they’re going to Cave to the Casual and uneducated fans and the Big Shiny object. Sounds like a Philly move.
Cave to the casual and uneducated fans???????
Seriously?
Cubs fans crack me up. They are obviously in a state right now where they are looking to cut payroll. They are almost in a rebuilding process while trying to stay competitive if they are looking to cut payroll as they have publicly said they are not picking up a $400 million contract. They said Harper is not going to Chicago if I had to guess I would say he is going to the Dodgers.
They’re bitter that Theo spent the Harper Fund on Heyward and Darvish.
Why don’t you cite the article quoting anyone from the Chicago Cubs front office stating that they aren’t picking up a $400 million contract?
I don’t know why the fact that Manny Machado had two major leg related surgeries 1 on each leg never is hardly mentioned. He has a terrible attitude and does not Hustle. You think giving him a 8 to 10 year contract is going to make his attitude or hustle improve. Odds are it gets exponentially worse. Don’t forget Camden Yards is one of the easier places to hit home runs as well and his lifetime on base .335 is not Super Star status. This guy screams regrets not far down the road. The Phillies are in great position to actually spend money on guys after the dust settles and get value, but it seems they’re going to Cave to Casual and uneducated fans and the Big Shiny object. Sounds like a Philly move.
Your Camden Yards point is irrelevant. Citizens Bank Park is a band box that Machado will put up numbers in
Actually it’s very relevant. Let’s look at a guy like Scooter Gennett who hit 14 home runs highest total with the Brewers and goes to the Reds the next year and hits 27. We seen this in other easy to hit home run parks too. The numbers are inflated and if you want to overpay for over-inflated numbers have at it.
Wow. Comparing Scooter Gennett with Manny Machado. Nice
And how do you know he has a terrible attitude. Are you in clubhouse? Did you talk to teammates of his?
Stop
He also hits homers, and assuming he’s playing 3B he’s a great defensive addition to any club who will make the pitchers better.
I did not know that. I didn’t want Machado for his bad attitude. Now with those knees it would be wise to stay far away.
Harper has missed a lot of time with injuries as well and has either been benched or called out by every manager he has ever played for, for not hustling, including Martinez this past July
Agreed, I am not a fan of Harper’s 230 average at times either.
Haven’t you heard? BA is stupid.
I bet Boras waits until Manny signs before allowing Harper to sign. Will want to guarantee that Harper has the biggest contract.
Sure seems like the Phillies and White Sox might be moving on from machado.
I heard the Yankees are moving on from Machado. The only way Machado signs with the Yankees is a club friendly contract that includes Yankee opt out closes.
1) Machado is the worst defensive shortstop in baseball.
2) Those stunts he pulled in October are going to cost him tens of millions of dollars.
Time will tell.
What are “Yankee opt out closes”, and where did you here “the Yankees are moving on from Machado”?
He’s making these things up lmao
Free agency is so slow now because teams/owners/GMs for the most part realize that teams always lose in free agency in the long run. There aren’t enough dumb owners anymore who just want shiny new toys and ignore everything being told to them by people smarter than they are. Instead, they are all employing math geniuses to make them richer and richer in every aspect of life, including baseball.
The days of stupid contracts are about over. I feel so sorry for Scott Boras.
MLB has a huge labor issue looming. They need to change the model to pay the best players the most money instead of paying the most money to players who used to be the best.
Please PLEASE sign one of them. As an Angel fan, I’m not the least bit worried of Trout signing with the Yankees, I’m worried about him signing with the Phillies.
Can any team handle two year 300+ million dollar contracts? I like the Angels odds better of extending Trout if the Phillies have less payroll flexibility.
So… Get it Done. :)
Doubt he would sign with the Angels. He said he wanted to play on a winning team. Much more likely he signs with Phillies or Yankees.
The Phillies are not a winning team until they prove it
What? Everyone wants to play for a winning team. And he has said repeatedly he wants to play for the Angels. He can do both.
By the way, do you know what the Angels, Yankees and Phillies have in common? They all have one World Series Title this century?
Harper will surprise everyone by signing with both Long Island City and Alexandria, VA.
Yankees sign both Harper and Machado
Trade Stanton to dodgers for prospects
Gardner becomes 4th outfielder
Yankees “try” to trade ellsbury or just release him
Voit/Bird/Andujar battle for starting 1st base
Yankees resign Britton/ Robertson
Trade Clint Frazier and others for Bumgarner
2019 World Series champions!
Phillies miss on Harper (Dodgers) & Machado (Yanks), but it works out in 2021. Keep developing Phils, patience, Trout-to-Philly should be the ultimate goal.
Keep moving the goalpost.
Three years ago the ultimate goal was Machado or Harper.
The Phillies front office is a tire fire and the Phillies will not sign either.
So let’s look forward to three years from now when the Phillies don’t land Mike Trout either.
How can you say it’s a tire fire when it’s a fairly new regime with money to spend?
Fairly new regime? Ruben Amaro was hired for 2009 and fired after the 2015 season. That’s seven seasons.
We Klentak and MacPhail have been there for four seasons. 2019 will be the fifth.
Five years is new? Four years even?
And look around, having money to spend doesn’t result in victories. And all of the players who have performed are from the Ruin Tomorrow Jr. era.
Nothing to show from Klentak’s first four years other than bad contracts.
And then they were on the Edmund Fitzgerald….
As a Phils “Phan”, Harper would improve the team offense, in terms of OPS more than Machado, with the current collection of players they have/would bump from the lineup. Machado,OPS is close, but he would bring improved defense over Harper, if he would “agree” to play 3rd.
I believe the Phillies will land one of them. Money talks, and the Phillies will not be outbid imo. One of them will take it. It is looking like it will be Harper. The Phillies FO are playing their cards right. Both superstars know, that the Phillies will give the largest offer, so “if” they want the largest offer they better take it soon.
My prediction for what it’s worth, Harper to the Phillies for a 35-40mil AAV, # of years between 8-11. A rumored 9/40mil AAV was on the table at the beginfn of the offseason, was pulled because no one was close to the offer. BH probably sees the writing that the Phillies will offer to most, it’s inevitable. Just sign it already Harper!
Phillies can let the Cubbies pay Harper and they can take Heyward and Darvish plus all their cash and a thick stack of prospects.
What?
Harper to Giants as a dark horse. 4 or 5 year deal with and opt out for last year maybe in time for him to hit the market in prime again and seems like that the giants window for contention is closing with its core. And anyway Ray goes to Atlanta?
I think that is very wishful thinking for a Giants fan. Why would BH or MM take a 4-5 year deal from any team, when they can get a 10 year deal with opt outs? That’s a lot of money to walk away from, and unnecessarily risk losing.
He would not take that because the Dodgers are intrested at that price. If the Giants want him they have to offer the most money.
Coming from someone born in Philly. Why would anyone who is a free agent want to go there?
Bad coach with no experience.
Bad GM with no experiencce
Bad Ownership with no care about progress
Bad team
Wrong on all fronts. Impressive
Wow, you are a simpleton with no point.
have another cheesesteak, my friend. it’s all going to be alright, promise.
Imagine saying the original poster was wrong.
Phillies 2190 is a clueless dullard, obviously.
Cheers, cpdII. Hope you enjoy the new year.
I think the ownership does care for progress… I.e. Stupid Money
The manager I can’t argue for.
The gm is made or broken this off-season. Might not be all tied into Machado or Harper either… If they don’t get them his other moves have to pay off.
1 – you don’t have to live in the city, with their money, I’d recommend a condo in the city and a surb home base
Bad coach with 1 year experience
Bad GM with 1 year experience
Bad ownership that has the most money to spend
Cheer up bud, Philly isn’t as bad of a turd hole as you want it to be!
I never said anything about the city itself, its about the team and their present state and history of underachieving.
Gabe was a first year manager with a ton of growing pains yes, but has acknowledged he needs to make adjustments in this second year. There are things about him that I would like to chance but he still made an impact on an otherwise young and inexperienced roster.
Klentak has had a solid offseason (so far) in signing a veteran leader and landing a good SS and a few relievers while at the same time getting rid of a log jam at 1B (yes, he it was his mistake in the first place but he’s all but corrected it and then some)
John Middleton has said time and time again that he will spend the money the team needs to get back into contention and of course has his now famous “stupid money” comment.
The team nearly won the NL East. Yes, there was the collapse at the end of the season but you’re talking about a young inexperienced team and guys were asked to play out of position, which made the defense suffer. Getting rid of Santana takes Hoskins out of LF and back to 1B and Segura and McCutchen are defensive upgrades at their postions.
Aaron Nola had a Cy Young caliber season. Eflin, Velasques and Pivetta showed lots of promise and the young arms in the bullpen shined as well (Dominguez, Arano, Ramos). Hoskins, Williams, Alfaro all continue to develop into solid major leaguers.
This team is definitely on the cusp of contending for titles so why wouldn’t someone want to come here and be apart of that? If you hate on your hometown that much, leave.
I already have years ago. Again, its about the team not the city though. I see you can’t separate that. That’s unfortunate.
The team is garbage and they only have two players, Nola and Hoskins.
Segura is a whiner and a malcontent. Its proven history.
What year is it? If it was 5 years ago, yea, McCutchen would be good.
I think you are selling the Phillies 2018 pretty short. They cracked down the stretch, but you can’t ignore Pivetta,VV, Wfflin, Ser Anthony, on the pitching side … to go with Nola. Nola didn’t pitch 162 games, or Even 81 games. He had help leading the team to one of the best records in baseball at the half, in a rebuilding year.
They may not set the league on fire this year, but my guess is that no one from the NL East will as they’ll be beating each other up.
On the cusp of contending for titles.
I fell out my chair laughing.
“John Middleton has said time and time again that he will spend the money the team needs to get back into contention”
That’s what Machado and Harper are waiting on, all that stupid money Middleton has pledged to spend. If Palm Beach John had put his “John Middleton” on the two contracts then Machado and Harper would be Phillies teammates.
There’s nothing else going on here. We’re all waiting on the “Stupid Money”.
Agreeing somewhat on Gabe Kapler
While I’m not a big fan of Matt Klentak, he did get rid of Santana, got Segura, and made it possible for Hoskins to move back to 1st base..I’d say he did good!
The primary owner, John Middleton has stated he will spend what it takes, so saying he doesn’t care about progress is way off base..
Bad team? Maybe…They still did lead the NL East till their July implosion..
A week or so doesnt sound like they are serious…..
Harper to giants as dark horse! With a 4 year deal with and opt out clause for the last year. He would be young enough still to cash in on market again. And giants core seems to be Aging so a last round go at for couple years wouldn’t hurt. Anyway Ray goes to Atlanta any rumors?
AHHHHHHH! Trade for Stanton…Let the Yankees sign Harper!
Imo this pretty much signals Harper signing with Philly.
1. They got rid of Crawford and got Segura for SS. Now they’re going to try and trade Franco and move him to the bench for Machado, then make Segura play 3B and Machado SS (where he is defensively inferior)??? Not happening.
2. Hoskins back to 1B and signs Cutch to play LF, allowing 2 infield upgrades and 1 outfield upgrade already. Their infield has improved enough already.
3. They’re a RH heavy lineup, Harper hitting 3rd or 4th makes the lineup elite.
4. Machado’s attitude doesn’t fit Philly. Philly has watched Harper for years. Harper is familiar with the Phillies ballpark and organization. He’ll be the starting piece to convince Trout to come to Philly.
5. By signing just Harper, it allows the Phillies to go get Britton and another SP, or make another trade. By making those moves, imo, that puts Philly up there with the NL elite, while also positioning them to combo Harper and Trout in a so called “bandbox” in roughly 800 days.
Also, they do not want Machado playing SS behind Nola, but especially the rest of the young SP’s.
I think the lineup even with Harper is far…far from ELITE!
C.hernandez/segura/harper/hoskins/mccutchen/herrera/franco/alfaro not elite?
To be fair, Machado’s attitude doesn’t fit anywhere. Who wants to encourage lazy, give no turds attitude? If this was any other universe other than sports, manny would have to sign a contract with year to year opt out clauses to protect the team from
His chronic lazyness or butch league tactics.
Sounds like Harper is getting desperate and considering signing with the Phils. Kind of like being at the bar at closing time and finding the fat and ugly ones suddenly attractive.
Bryce, meet blank check.
All these teams fans who bash Harper and Machado just come off as lame. Because if tomorrow your team got either of these guys you’ll be dancing in the streets.
Agreed
Golden, exactly
Most people here recognize Harper is a very good ballplayer and would welcome him to their team. The issue is that each team has a certain amount of financial resources with which to build a winning team and savvy baseball minds recognize Harper’s potential impact simply isn’t worth the resources it would take to sign him. Far too many years and money tied up in such a large contract, especially considering his injury history, limited draw and level of production. As a Dodger fan it would be nice seeing him patrol right field next year but I’d rather they use the resources to solidify themselves at catcher, second base and on the mound.
Any adult male who would dance in the street over a baseball player is a pathetic human being. You dance in the street over a war ending. A birth of a child. Being told a loved one’s cancer is in remission. But dancing in the street over some baseball player? Are there adult men really that childish?
Have you read some of the posts on this site over the years?
Haha
I wont bash Harper. I will bash Machado. And after his antics in October, he deserves to be bashed.
Harper is overrated, but still has a chance to be one of the best players of this generation. Machado is not overrated, and has a chance to be one of the best players of this generation, but he’s a jerk. I wouldn’t want to root for him.
Screw freeing up payroll. Cubbies need to grab Harper
Not trashing the guy, he’s a good player. But that’s just it to me, he’s good, go to an all star game now and then, but I’m not getting why he is considered a “super star” or “elite” player deserving the biggest contract ever in MLB. I’m a huge baseball fan and I understand analytics and all that and I just see this guy as hype more than substance. I don’t think he can impact a team like he’s being made out to. I can come up with lots of players in my head that are better than this guy. I understand he’s a free agent this year and 26, but not getting why he’s held in such high regards. Can somebody please weigh in and tell me why this guy is so special and being treated like he’s a legit super star?
Completely agree.
The best defense for this, is that he is young. 2-4 years younger than your average FA. I agree, he doesn’t warrant the hype, but he is worth more than just his ONF production due to his ability to generate tickets sales,merchandise, etc.
So that can explain part of the hype, but generally I agree that a gap exists between his actual performance & hype. His best star argument is his above average, near elite OPS, even in his down years.
Lastly, the market has shifted in terms of being paid for Future production expectations vs past production. Young stars are the envy of the league. In this case, a bad contract could be crippling, so hopefully whoever signs them gets 8 years of very good production, putting them at 34 years old
He is a superstar. He was 2nd in MLB with fewest pitches seen in the strike zone. Pitchers do not pitch to this guy, hence the monster OBP and leading the league in walks. With all these pitchers avoiding him, he is still putting up really good counting stats.
He’s a STAR player being treated as a SUPERSTAR. His youth allows the hype for future production.
I agree totally. Most people are not very bright. They are NPCs who nod approvingly to whatever the media tells them to think. Harper is not the second coming of Mickey Mantle. Harper’s stats indicate he is a good player. But he is not a superstar.
Harper is a terrific player imo who has been sick of Washington for years now. If he plays where he actually wants to play at he will be in beast mode imo. He is only 25/26 years old
Wow? He’s not great because he plays in Washington and not New York? Seriously?
If he does get better, it will be because he is only 26 and leans how to play without hurting himself. Which could very easily happen, it wont be because he’s no longer a National.
My point is I think he never truly wanted to be in Washington. He’s been wanting to leave there for awhile and the fact he turned down that 300 million offer from the nats is evidence of that
Reports of Harper’s purported lack of interest in playing Philadelphia are carefully designed to have the Phillies management bidding against themselves. It’s an ingenious ploy.
You always see people trying to talk up Philly as this awesome sports town, but everyone and their brother is always trying to leave Philly. Look at how many current pro sports teams used to play in Philly. It’s absurd. It’s unquestionably one of the biggest sports town on the planet, but the rest of the city is pure garbage, as is evidenced by the steady exodus.
Wait! What?
Harper could very well end up back Washington. However, he wants to get a World Series ring. Goldschmidt, Wainwright, Molina, Ozuna and others of the Cardinals have been in contact with Harper to lure him to St. Louis as their final piece of their puzzle. Sources say it’s working. Harper likes the heritage and postseason winning percentages of which he’s been in the opposite end of with Washington. Look for Harper to be in a Cardinal uniform in 2019.
Has Harper visited any teams ballparks this off season yet ?
Who’s in Vegas?
Harper lives there
Someone remind Middleton to bring the “Stupid Money”.
Lerner will match Phillies money but does he want to play second fiddle to Soto and Robles?
Cease with the drama. Make a decision. How much longer to drag this out? I guess one does not tire easily when getting stroked like this.
Machado has his 3 offers already I would think which makes the wait for him more puzzling. I think Harper is waiting for machado to sign too
This is like when the 76ers went after LeBron. Newsflash Phillies fans why do you think Harper was not present for the initial meeting? Because he has no interest in Philadelphia. Can you blame him? For nearly a decade you have been a joke of a franchise and it does not look like it’s changing anytime soon.
Newsflash…the market has changed since December.
Perhaps he, like LeBron will sign with LA get the playoffs and lose in the finals again. And again. And again ad infinitum.
“Get to the playoffs”
Since there is truly no such thing as rivalry at least in the old baseball sense, Dodgers match up well with Giants for Bumgarner.
If the Phillies FO were smart they’d save their money for the next two years, develop their farm and the young guys they have now and either trade for or sign Mike Trout as a FA in 2020
Just assuming he will A hit the market and B sign with the Phillies is s huge risk and mistake
Mike Trout will definitely hit the market and he grew up a Phillies fan, he will sign there IMO, granted that is if they still have the money and don’t tie it up with either MM or Harper.
Why in the world aren’t the Cardinals in heavily on Many Machado?? He would be the icing on the cake for the Cardinals to mankind a World Series run. With the acquisition of Machado, the Cards could move Paul DeJong to 3rd and Matt Carpenter to that valuable lefthanded bat super sub off the bench. Obtaining Machado at short, with DeJong at 3rd and Goldschmidt at first makes a solid defense. Also, the addition Machado makes an awe some offense. Standing pat with Carpenter at third and Fowler in right will just give the Cardinals an outside chance at a second wild card spot. A position which won’t set well with Paul Goldschmidt in his walk year.
Why in the world don’t you buy 2 new Cadillac’s for cash?? It would be icing on the cake. A sedan to get around town. A fully upholstered SUV to go to the grocery store and take people for drives in the country. Standing pat with that jalopy you have now will just give you a long shot chance of winning the lottery. A position that will not set well with those that know you and might walk away from you.
The Swellopts concept by Boras sounds like a great way to sign these mega free agents. More teams will be willing to sign them with short term opt outs by both player and team. Great concept.
slider32……….
Been saying that same thing since Sept. I think teams will deploy it with clients other than Boras’ as well.
link to mlbtraderumors.com
Bring lots of stupid money witchu.
Just curious. People say Harper to the Dodgers. The Dodgers are not going over the luxury tax threshold. How do they sign Harper?
They didn’t clear a lot of payroll with that trade with the reds either. Doesn’t mean they won’t go over the cap again though. If I was them I would have let Kershaw walk. Not only is he making 30 million but his stuff has declined in recent years and has had back problems. Hopefully he stays healthy though
I’m not a fan of the signing for 3 years. Hope he gets back to form. I didn’t like them extending Roberts, would have liked to see him walk! Dodgers won’t go over the cap. Don’t see Harper signing with the Dodgers.
They should introduce him to the guy that ate the horse sh@t ! That will seal the deal! That’s commitment! Commitment to what I don’t know?
Here’s my opening day batting order prediction for the bombers….am I crazy?
Hicks CF
Judge RF
Harper LF
Machado SS
Stanton DH
Andujar 3B
Sanchez C
Voit 1B
Torres 2B
Bench
Gardner
Ellsbury
Tulo
Bird
Romine
Harper and Machado signed with the Yanks? Yes, you’re crazy. Yanks aren’t signing either of them.
Wait, you know this?! Have you spoken with them? Why aren’t you writing columns?!?
Yeah you’re crazy alright jk. You’re just unrealistic and underestimating the future empire known as the Phillies organization
And I’m the crazy one? Hahaha!
canadianyankee….Do you really think the NYY, who sit at about $195M +/- payroll, will add $65M-$75M in payroll?
You can say well there payroll drops in 2020 but most of that is because of FA and they will have to replace those players.
I don’t see any team, especially one so close to the CBT line, signing both. One maybe but not two.
Bryce wants to tell them to their face…NO
Captain Obvious here
Why does every Yankee fan turn any article that’s not about them into about them? They are the annoying chick that needs all the attention and as soon as the attention is off has to do something to turn the focus back on them.
Read the article again captain…the Yankees are mentioned 4 times…that annoying chick never gave you attention did she?
Harper seems the most overrated player in the MLB to me. He’s a power hitter who doesn’t hit for average, is league average or just above on defense and something similar on the bases. Can anyone explain why so many teams are so enamored of him? No joke, I just don’t get it.
He puts butts in the seats and jerseys on backs. He is easily one of the top 5 most marketable guys in the game right now. I agree his career stats are not a top 5 player but remember he is only 26… better prime years are typically 26 to 30. Is he worth 10 for $350… guess it depends on how many butts and seats he fills, but when the phillies were cranking a few years ago they filled alot of seats and sold a ton of utley, rollins, and howard jerseys…. I could see harper, hoskins, and nola jerseys doing the same. At the end of the day its a business though and I am sure there is an accountant crunching the numbers on Harpers potential return on investment.
I love how people use harpers down year to justify calling him a bum and overrated
Never called him a bum and wasn’t referring to his down year, I was referring to his career stats.
Bryce Harper most likely ends up in Philly due to the combination of finances + market. The National media likes to dump on Philly its not glamorous, not shiny but that might be based on past perception, its actually a pretty awesome city. It absolutely does have a passionate sports market “When Given a Contending Team To Root For” . Its right behind NYY in attendance and overall TV viewership. Its a juggernaut market that’s been overlooked due to this 6-7 year long dumpster fire Phils owners have been providing. MLB actually needs Harper in Philadelphia to make it relevant again.
Please sign that albatross contract with a team other than the Dodgers.
I’m surprised that so many people don’t think there is a chance that Harper resigns with the Nats. . Harper likes it in Washington and the only teams that I have heard that he would consider are the Nats, Yankees, Dodgers and maybe the Cubs. Yanks don’t want him, Cubs can’t afford him and Dodgers aren’t willing to go the number of years. The Dodgers would have to go something like 4/160 to even have a chance and it doesn’t sound like they are willing to spend that much. Apparently most people don’t know that the Lerners are one of the richest owners in baseball ( they were the richest a couple of years ago, not sure where they stand now but they are loaded). Ted Lerner is 93 now and he and the entire Lerner family absolutely love Bryce Harper and are tight with his family. It’s been reported that they offered 10/300 at the end of the season and last week Bowden reported that they met with him and Boras and upped it ‘significantly’. The Lerners are also tight with Boras and I don’t see any way that the Lerners let another team outbid them. Yes I am a Nats fan but I can’t stand Harper and hope he signs somewhere else. A poll was taken and most Nats fans hope they don’t sign him and would rather have the money go towards resigning Rendon and Turner.
As far as Philly: You can’t watch a show on MLB network without someone saying that they don’t think Harper or Machado want anything to do with Philadelphia.
Personally my feelings are if you want him you can have him.
Juan Soto is already better than him and Victor Robles is a better all around player than both of them. Both make minimum and controlled for another 6 years.