Mike Rizzo declined to provide even a ballpark figure for what it will take to get Bryce Harper to sign a long-term deal, telling 106.7 the FAN in D.C.’s Sports Junkies on Friday, “If I had a ballpark, I’d give it to you, but at this point when we’ve just had some casual conversations, I wouldn’t even venture a guess. I think it would be unfair for me to do it.”
Rizzo did, however, tell the Junkies that he thinks Harper wants to play in D.C. after the 2018 season, though there are other factors.
“I think Bryce wants to come back here and play here, for sure,” Rizzo said.
“He loves the town and he loves the fan base. He loves this team that he grew up in. He’s got a great relationship with myself.”
As he’s said before, Rizzo drafted Harper with the No. 1 overall pick in 2010, scouted the catcher-turned-outfielder, oversaw his development, and his adjustment to the majors, and the two have a good relationship.
Will the relationship play a role when it comes time for Harper to make a decision next winter, unless, of course, he agrees to an extension before then, which USA Today’s Bob Nightengale says the Nationals believe is unlikely. You can read that tweet below...
NATS BEAT:
Mike Rizzo: Bryce Harper Wants to Come Back, But…
"Rizzo was asked if he thinks Boras is dead-set on securing the largest possible deal for Harper, or if Harper wants to come back and play in Washington."
The Washington #Nats say they are realistic and firmly believe that Bryce Harper is set to test free agency next winter after casual conversations last month. They still hope to re-sign him, but only after he tests the free agent market
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 15, 2017
Nationals leave Winter Meetings having re-signed Brandon Kintzler. What’s next?
"The Nationals want right-handed relievers. They retained one with whom they are familiar. It was a frenetic conclusion to an otherwise tranquil week."
Nats expect rehabbing Murphy to be ready for opening day
"In the eight weeks since Murphy had the procedure - officially a debridement and microfracture surgery to repair articular cartilage - the Nationals have begun to get a clearer picture of his timetable for recovery."
No. 1 Nats prospect: Victor Robles
"The top prospect in the Nationals system, according to Baseball America, comes as no surprise to anyone, and that is center fielder Victor Robles."
Nats manager Dave Martinez chats with @cmillsnbcs on the @NBCSWashington broadcast. https://t.co/zLSCrs9lNJ pic.twitter.com/EA8RJfpQiu
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) December 16, 2017
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
How the Red Sox, Nationals, Dodgers can bounce back from lackluster winter meetings
"Springing a trade for a guy like Chris Archer makes perfect sense for both Washington and Archer."
Mets say they’ve signed Jose Lobaton, the Nats’ former backup catcher, to a minor league deal and big league camp invite.
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) December 15, 2017
Mets add depth at catcher with Nationals castoff
"The Mets, still in search of a second baseman and an outfielder/first baseman, added some catching depth Friday, signing Jose Lobaton to a minor league deal."
NL EAST UPDATES:
Source: Phillies agree to $60 million deal with Carlos Santana
"The Phils have agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal with former Cleveland Indian Carlos Santana, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury."
Ready for Liftoff: Juan Lagares Alters His Swing in Bid to Impress the Mets
"Even defensive-minded players, such as Mets center fielder Juan Lagares, are now giving this new offensive approach a whirl."
Winter Meetings: 12 leftover thoughts on Giancarlo Stanton, Derek Jeter, the Marlins' new prospects and more
"In case you haven’t been following along, the Marlins have traded Dee Gordon to the Mariners, Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees and Marcell Ozuna to the Cardinals in the past week-plus."
Braves select Anyelo Gomez in Rule 5 Draft
"The Braves gained a bullpen candidate on Thursday morning, when they selected right-handed pitcher Anyelo Gomez with the seventh pick of the first round of the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft."