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It’s pretty much all Bryce Harper news today with Scott Boras making the rounds and stirring up the baseball world with his talk at the GM Meetings in Carlsbad, CA. Enjoy.
HARPER, HARPER, HARPER (LOCAL EDITION):
Nationals’ offer to Bryce Harper was biggest free agent deal in U.S. sports history. What now? - (WaPost)
”The Washington Nationals offered Bryce Harper the biggest free agent contract in the history of the four major North American sports in late September, and he and his agent turned it down.”
Some notes from the GM meetings now that availability is wrapped up:
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) November 8, 2018
Mike Rizzo said the Nationals don’t see upgrading at second as a top priority this offseason. Right now he is comfortable with Howie Kendrick and Wilmer Difo in that spot.
Nationals made long-term offer to Bryce Harper - (MLB.com)
"To come that close to free agency and then accept a long-term deal would have been a drastic change of course."
Bryce Harper and the Nationals take the high road. Both will benefit - (WaPost)
”If you want to guess $300 million for 10 years, go ahead, but be aware that both the Nats and Boras want the highest possible number to be in circulation.”
“I feel like me coming there was enough of a recruiting pitch...” - @TrevRosenthal joking about his pitch to Bryce Harper to return to the #Nats: https://t.co/IxVk17SzFb
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) November 7, 2018
HARPER, HARPER, HARPER (NATIONAL(S) EDITION):
Andrew Friedman is mum on whether Dodgers will pursue Bryce Harper after he declined $300 million from Nationals - (Los Angeles Times)
"The Dodgers offered Puig in a trade, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, but the two sides could not strike a deal."
Bryce Harper: Outfielder will sign with Phillies. Bank on it. - (USA TODAY)
"He will be standing in right field with the Phillies on March 28 at Citizens Bank Park when they open the season against the defending NL East champion Atlanta Braves. Bank on it."
The Problem With Bryce Harper’s Contract Season - (Fangraphs)
"Bryce Harper is a (nearly) unrestricted free agent. He is newly 26 years old. He is projected, by Steamer, to be baseball’s second-best hitter next season."
VIDEO: GM Meetings: Mike Rizzo on Bryce Harper; starting rotation + more
”Jon Paul Morosi speaks with Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo on his 2019 preparation.”
The price for Bryce is reportedly more than $300 million! @Joelsherman1 weighs in on the market for Bryce Harper on #MLBNHotStove. pic.twitter.com/I0Wm6WbU9e
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 7, 2018
NL East offseason preview - Will Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto be on the move? - (ESPN)
”If the Nats sign Harper, it will limit their ability to improve in other obvious areas of need (rotation, bullpen, catcher, right side of the infield) while hurting their chances of keeping stud third baseman Anthony Rendon beyond his existing contract.”
Scott Boras: Why Nationals’ $300 million Bryce Harper offer wasn’t close - (NY Post)
”Scott Boras described Bryce Harper as ‘a generational player and termed the Nationals’ 10-year, $300 million proposal prior to free agency an ‘olive branch’ to emphasize interest in retaining the star outfielder.”
Bryce Harper: All-Star rejected $300 million offer from Nationals - (USA TODAY)
”The offer, which would have paid Harper an average of $30 million a year, is no longer on the table, according to one official.”
Is $500M Bryce Harper’s target for a deal? - (Fancred)
”While he’s not talking about contractual targets, based on 14 years at even $35 million (just $1 million more than [Zack] Greinke), that would be $490 million.”
Danny Espinosa is playing winter ball this year in Mexico pic.twitter.com/gzuz4MfDn6
— Adam McInturff (@2080adam) November 7, 2018
OTHER NATIONALS NEWS:
Nationals have made efforts to extend Anthony Rendon, regardless of Bryce Harper’s decision - (WaPost)
"Rizzo told The Washington Post on Tuesday that the Nationals have “made efforts” to extend Rendon’s contract in the past year."
Salt River on hot streak in first place in Arizona Fall League - (MASN)
"The Salt River Rafters have won four games in a row and have a three-game lead atop the East division. The Rafters are 15-8, tied for the best record in the AFL with the Peoria Javelinas."
Nationals’ Juan Soto rides big swing to Rookie of Year-caliber season - (WaPost)
“Hit, hit, hit, hit,” Soto says now, miming his left-handed swing with an invisible bat. “I could never get enough of it.”
J.T. Realmuto rumors at GM Meetings - (MLB.com)
"The Astros, Dodgers, Nationals and Braves are among the teams believed to be in the market for a front-line catcher."
Rizzo said the Nationals are hunting a “frontline catcher,” a guy who can catch 120 games or more. Continue to be interested in Realmuto, but “we’ve been talking about him for a year” and nothing has gotten done. Marlins asking price remains high.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) November 8, 2018
Free agent starting pitchers who could interest Nats - (MASN)
"The Nationals have several needs - starting pitching, catcher, second baseman, relief pitching, backup first baseman - but let’s start today with the most significant (and priciest) position."