Apparently everyone has an opinion on how the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees’ trade for Giancarlo Stanton affects Bryce Harper’s future. Even Harper’s agent shared his thoughts. Scott Boras wrote to Ken Rosenthal after Rosenthal posted a story over at The Athletic in which he listed Harper among the “Losers” following the deal that sent the Marlins’ slugger to the Bronx.
Boras, apparently, we think, if we’re reading it correctly, and we’re really not too sure, challenged the idea that the deal for Stanton, which gives the Yanks two hard-hitting corner outfielders — since they already have Aaron Judge there — takes NY out of the running for Harper if/when he hits free agency next winter.
“A Bronx opera . . . The Three Tenors . . . Hal’s genius, vision,” Boras said, apparently in reference to the Yankees principal owner Hal Steinbrenner.
“Alone the three were stars . . . now a galaxy of international popularity.”
New York Post writer Ken Davidoff subsequently asked Boras if he meant, specifically, that Judge, Stanton, and Harper could be “The Three Tenors”?
“I didn’t say specific players,” Boras told him, “... just that Hal has a love for [the] arts and I am sure he would love the Three Tenors.”
I’m still not sure what all that means. On to the links...
NATS BEAT:
How Giancarlo Stanton trade affects Bryce Harper, Nationals
"In theory, the Yankees’ absence should help the Nationals, who will be pooling their resources to make a competitive offer for a player many teams will not be able to afford."
What's on tap for the Nationals at the Winter Meetings
"Will the Nationals consider this the Happiest Place on Earth by the time they head home Thursday?"
#Nats: #Nationals have signed RHP David Goforth to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) December 9, 2017
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Bryce Harper's future will be impacted by Giancarlo Stanton trade
"If the Yankees end up out, then the Nationals will have a fighting chance to re-sign their franchise player."
Bryce Harper’s agent has good news for Yankees fans
"Scott Boras refuses to rule out the Yankees as a future destination of Bryce Harper."
Giancarlo Stanton trade: What it means for Yankees and MLB
"As Harper enters his final year under contract in Washington, both corner outfield spots in New York are accounted for, thanks to Judge and Stanton."
Scott Boras had a response to me labeling his client, Bryce Harper, one of the “losers” of the Stanton trade. Naturally he disagreed, and I rewrote that section to include his thoughts. Boras took an, uh, operatic approach. https://t.co/Bbj559V6Uy
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 9, 2017
Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees? C'mon, man!
"It certainly figures to affect the market for Washington Nationals superstar Bryce Harper, who no longer appears to be a fit for the Yankees..."
Bryce Harper watch begins early on the North Side
"It was only last summer Yankee Stadium was considered the most likely destination for Harper, who seems to crave the media spotlight that seldom shines on sleepy Washington."
NL EAST UPDATES:
Winter Meetings 2017: Have Braves' needs changed with new leadership?
"Let's dive into the Braves' perceived needs and how they might fill them this winter."
Hyde5: Marlins, Yankees agree to trade for Stanton
"There’s some oddity here, Derek Jeter trading with the Yankees, perhaps even cementing his former team as the odds-on favorites to win the World Series next season."
Mets already know what they need most at winter meetings
"With free-agency across baseball moving at a glacial pace, the Mets have been deliberate as they ponder solutions to their bullpen, infield and first base/outfield needs."
With Stanton trade, Phillies path to one of Machado/Harper has become easier
"By acquiring Stanton - and reportedly taking on over $250 million of what is left on his contract - the Yankees assured they are not going to be a contender for Harper next offseason."