Wire Taps: Bryce Harper in the Bronx?; Juan Soto in Japan; Tommy John Scott Boras’ clients fill dugout

With the GM meetings wrapping up, one would assume that the Hot Stove should heat up soon – as early as Thanksgiving. The biggest question now: who blinks first, Bryce Harper or Manny Machado?

Here’s the news from Nats Park:

The Washington Nationals are not afraid of Tommy John surgery recipients (NBC Sports Washington)
Erick Fedde, Stephen Strasburg, and Trevor Rosenthal make up an elite club of Tommy John surgery recipients represented by Scott Boras, and they're all Nationals. “We’ve done this song and dance before,” Mike Rizzo said late last season. “We’re pretty adept at rehabilitations of Tommy John.” (Also in here: details from Trevor Rosenthal's rehab.)

Soto hits the roof of the Tokyo Dome (MLB.com)
So, it's been a bit of a week for Juan Soto.

NL rookie of the year race between Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr. is impossibly tight (WaPo)
"In a race this close, the tie should go to whoever helped his team the most, regardless if that team was in a pennant chase or not."

Bryce Harper could be a decent fit for the Yankees after all (SI.com)
The Yankees keep saying that they don't have Harper in their plans. They don't want to exceed the luxury tax. But he fits so well in their lineup, Moreover, they could possibly shift some pieces to make him fit further financially — and they're the Yankees, for pete's sake.

Where is Bryce Harper going to sign? (Cut4)
The Astros are a dark horse, while the Phillies seem like an obvious home — but don't rule out San Francisco or D.C., per this very scientific chart.

Rosenthal: Cardinals’ plans do not include Harper (The Athletic)
"The Cardinals, though, currently are more focused on a corner infielder than an outfielder, and also want to bolster their left-handed relief, sources said."

Listening to Scott Boras and thinking about Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant’s long-term future as a Cub (The Athletic)
"Harper and Bryant grew up playing with and against each other in Las Vegas. They gravitated toward the same agent. They hang out together with their wives during the offseason. Think this might come up during game night or while watching the NHL’s Golden Knights?"

If Nats want to upgrade second base, plenty of options (MASN)
Howie Kendrick, Wilmer Difo, and Carter Kieboom offer a compelling case for maintaining the status quo at second — but D.J. Lemahieu, Marwin Gonzalez, Jed Lowrie, Josh Harrison, and many others are available if the Nats choose otherwise.

The White Sox look like they’re preparing a presentation for Bryce: