Bryce Harper Rumors: Nationals Don't Plan to Offer Mega-Deal to Free Agent
The stove is finally hot again after superstar shortstop Manny Machado reportedly inked a record-setting 10-year, $300 million deal with the Padres on Tuesday. With Machado finally off the market, all eyes are now focused on the remaining free agency star: Bryce Harper.
Harper, 26, has reportedly sought to sign a contract worth at least $300 million, just as Machado was able to draw. Who will offer him such a sum, however, remains a question for the rumor mill.
Below are the latest news, updates and rumors surrounding where Bryce Harper will sign:
• The Nationals do not plan to offer Harper a mega-deal similar to Manny Machado's 10-year, $300 million with the Padres. Washington reportedly made an offer like that late last season, but roughly $100 million of it would have been deferred money. The Phillies met with Harper's agent, Scott Boras, in person in Florida last week and they have talked since. (MLB.com)
• The Giants are "trying hard" to land Harper but "aren't necessarily overly optimistic." (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• Harper has reportedly turned down multiple offers worth over $300 million in recent weeks. Five teams are still believed to be in contact with the free agent. The Giants, Phillies and Nationals appear to have more chances of signing Harper over the White Sox or Padres. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• While it is unknown how large of a contract San Francisco has offered Harper, the Giants reportedly still have a shot at signing the free-agent outfielder. The Phillies, on the other hand, have a tough road ahead to get Harper to sign. (Andy Martino, SNY)
• The White Sox are out of the Harper sweepstakes. (Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports)
• The Padres aren't ruling out signing Bryce Harper despite reportedly agreeing to a 10-year, $300 million deal with Manny Machado. The team's payroll is already at a franchise record of about $110 million (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• However, a high-ranking Padres official says that the team will not sign Harper. (Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune)
• The Phillies remain the "most likely destination" for Bryce Harper. (Joel Sherman, New York Post)
