Wire Taps: Bryce Harper receives qualifying offer from Nationals + Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game tonight...

Sure, sure, the season is over now, so talk of his free agency won’t be a distraction, but still the times have changed as far as how Bryce Harper is willing to discuss his future...

Bryce Harper to reporters, February 2018: “Just wanted to let you guys know, I will not be discussing anything relative to 2019 at all ... if you guys do [ask] anything, or talk about anything about that, then I’ll be walking right out the door.”

Bryce Harper - November 2018:

Go read your links now, and don’t get into an argument with your Nats fan friends who have different opinions on how far the Nationals should go to keep Harper in D.C. or whether they should at all...

NATS BEAT:

Bryce Harper receives qualifying offer - (MLB.com)
"Considering Harper made more money last season ($21.625 million) and will be one of the marquee names in this year's free-agent class, he will almost certainly decline and do so quickly."

With qualifying offer to Harper, Nats' comp pick is set (updated) - (MASN)
"Even though he has professed his interest in staying in Washington, he and agent Scott Boras have always known it was to their advantage to reach free agency and receive offers from multiple organizations."

Nationals make Bryce Harper qualifying offer before MLB deadline - (WaPost)
"Making a qualifying offer to Harper means only that General Manager Mike Rizzo and his staff acknowledge the possibility that Harper could go elsewhere and are protecting themselves accordingly."

After climbing ladder in organization, Suero was solid as rookie - (MASN)
"Suero was at his best in September, though the numbers (3.48 ERA, 1.452 WHIP) don’t necessary show that at first glance."

More pitching updates and notes on catchers Read, McCann - (MASN)
"Nationals pitching coordinator Paul Menhart wrapped up his synopsis of instructional league pitchers with a quick item on a trio of pitchers who caught his eye."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Rick Eckstein hired as Pirates hitting coach - (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
"[Rick] Eckstein spent the past two seasons as the minor league hitting coordinator for the Minnesota Twins. He coached hitters for the Washington Nationals from 2009-13."

Bryce Harper among players to receive qualifying offer - (Yahoo!Sports)
"Harper is going to get a mega-contract on the market. If he signs elsewhere, the Nationals will want that draft pick. Harper will almost certainly decline the offer to see what the market brings."

5 Unexpected MLB Stars That Could Hit the Trade Block This Offseason - (12up)
"Trading someone [like] Strasburg, who would sit at the top of almost any rotation, would fetch a huge haul."

Red Sox, Nationals must pay luxury tax - (MLB.com)
”The World Series champion Red Sox and Nationals are the only two teams that will be subject to the Competitive Balance Tax (commonly referred to as the “luxury tax”)...”

2018 team-by-team guide to AFL Fall Stars Game - (MLB.com)
"Kieboom, a first-rounder from the 2016 Draft, projects as an above-average hitter in the future and has good loft in his swing."

Arizona Fall League roundup for November 2 - (MLB.com)
"First baseman Jake Noll clubbed a three-run homer in the fifth inning to give Salt River a 6-0 lead."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Mets smart to keep Omar Minaya in front office with Brodie Van Wagenen - (SNY)
"Omar Minaya will remain an essential voice within the Mets front office with new GM Brodie Van Wagenen, according to SNY's Andy Martino."

The Phillies most important off-season in recent history is now here - (The Good Phight)
"The Phillies have long been rumored to have interest in Harper or Machado, and it is highly likely the team will pursue at least one, if not both."

Miami Marlins president says J.T. Realmuto 'knows how we feel about him' - (ESPN)
"Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill dismissed talk about trading J.T. Realmuto with a joke Friday..."

Braves Inbox: Chances at signing Bryce Harper? - (MLB.com)
"But the expected annual value of $25 million to $30 million it could cost to sign either of these superstars would likely influence how the team strengthens the rotation and bullpen."