Wire Taps: How much does Bryce Harper want? Nationals in the Winter Leagues + more...

Take the Bryce Harper-related numbers mentioned below FWIW since there is no mention in the article about where they’re coming from or if it’s just informed speculation, but 10/$350 is right around what everyone assumes Harper and his agent, Scott Boras, are looking for at least as a starting point when the 26-year-old outfielder hits the three agent market after the 2018 World Series comes to an end. How much will he end up getting? We’ll see...

NATS BEAT:

Finding A Replacement for Gio Gonzalez - (NatsGM)
"First we shall look at the starting rotation, with three trade targets and three free agents who should appeal to Washington this offseason."

RFK Beer Is Here to Stoke Excitement for Upcoming Food Hall - (Eater DC)
"The public can get a first sip of the beer at the Curbside Cookoff scheduled for Friday, October 26 in Southwest and DC Beer Fest on Saturday, November 3 at Nationals Park."

Roark heads into contract year in need of a rebound - (MASN)
"Bypassed for the entire National League Division Series the previous fall, the right-hander tried to channel his frustration into motivation for this campaign. And he was successful at that for a while."

Dominican winter league update: Robles, Soto and others - (MASN)
"Soto is in the Dominican Republic and is awaiting the go-ahead to join Tigres del Licey."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Bryce Harper reportedly wants 10-year, $350 million deal
"Harper is reportedly looking for a 10-year, $350 million deal as the starting point in negotiations, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score."

Levine: Cubs-Bryce Harper Union Makes Great Sense - (670 The Score)
"The Cubs will now have the chance to make an aggressiveness pursuit of Harper to create an elite lineup. The bidding for him in free agency will start at 10 years and $350 million."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Josh Bonifay joins Phillies as farm director - (MLB.com)
"The Phillies found their new farm director from one of the most progressive organizations in baseball."

New York Mets interviews for top job - (New York Post)
"Barring an 11th-hour surprise entry into the sweepstakes, the Mets’ interviews for a head of baseball operations are finished."

To The Victor Victor Go The Spoils - (Fangraphs)
"On Monday, the Marlins officially signed Victor Mesa Jr. and Victor Victor Mesa. Victor Squared received a $5.25 million bonus while Victor Prime landed a cool $1 million."

Do Braves need to trade for an ace? - (AJC.com)
"The Braves have invested a half-decade in accumulating pitching, but with the team ahead of schedule, it’ll consider the pluses and minuses of acquiring a seasoned front-line arm."