Dec. 15: USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tweets that the Nationals say the conversations about Harper were casual, and they fully expect Harper to test free agency next winter. The Nats still hope to re-sign Harper, he adds, but they seemingly don’t expect to be able to do so without him first exploring the open market.
Dec. 13, 2:54pm: Nationals president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo confirms the meeting, as Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports on Twitter, and adds that the sides also discussed other topics. That includes Anthony Rendon, another Boras client who is eligible for arbitration for the second-to-last time after a highly productive 2017 season. Rizzo says that a long-term arrangement with Rendon is “something we’ll certainly discuss,” as the Post’s Jorge Castillo tweets.
10:13am: Agent Scott Boras told the media today that he has engaged Nationals ownership in preliminary discussions about a potential extension for star outfielder Bryce Harper, as Jamal Collier of MLB.com was among those to report on Twitter. Those initial conversations occurred last month.
It is still far from clear whether there’s any real likelihood of a deal coming together before Harper reaches free agency after the 2018 season. Indeed, Boras would not commit to anything and also did not indicate whether there are clear plans for future talks.
That said, it’s notable that the sides are engaging early to explore the possibility of a deal. And there is little question that Boras and the Nats’ ownership can find a way to bridge differences. After all, they have struck numerous high-dollar deals; of greatest relevance here, the sides lined up on a rather surprising extension to keep Stephen Strasburg from reaching the open market.
Harper, who only just turned 25, dealt with an injury late in the 2017 season but nevertheless compiled an outstanding .319/.413/.595 batting line with 29 home runs in 492 plate appearances. He’s considered one of the game’s preeminent young hitters and is certainly one of its best-known players. The expectation long has been that Harper will prefer to test the open market, where his youth and talent will draw a bidding war, though it’s fair to wonder whether he’d also see some merit in striking a deal to stay with one organization (while also locking in earnings after a strong season).
I want the Angels to sign him next year so he can play alongside Trout.
More than likely that Harper signs in the northeast and Trout joins him there after 2020.
Philly
Most likely Philly. Phillies are favorites to get Harper and by far the favorites to get Trout.
Wtf are u talking about? Harper will take less money to play with best friend in Chicago.
Lolno. Cant wait to see him sign elsewhere.
Sorry that was meant to the cubs troll
harper wont come, but trout will after 2020… harpers goin to CHC to pair up with KB
If less money means only 400 mil, you might be right!
Harper is going to the team that offers him the most cheddar
Agreed! Why the F would he go to Philly??? He wants to play in Chicago with KB!
If you were betting it would be prudent to place your money on NOT being the Mets. 10,000-1 odds
To many down votes for the reality of this situation. I think you’re right.
I’m sure you do
Would have been possible if it werent for Pujols contract. Angels will also have to dish out serious $$ to Trout in a few years. And now paying JUp cash as well for next 5 seasons.
Don’t forget that if Othani pans out then that is a huge contract too. LA will be primed for Harper with over 100 million falling off their payroll and resetting their luxury tax% penalty.
What LALA Land do you live in? The Angels will have $100M coming off the books? When? Trout is under contract for 3 years, Upton 5 years, Pujols 4 years……As of now (assuming they don’t sign any 1 year contracts) they stand to have $6M coming off the books after this season. They’ve also never crossed the luxury tax so…..
My guess is he was talking about the actual team in LA, not the Angels
It’s funny when Angel fans forget their team plays in Anaheim
It’s mostly non-Angels fans that forget that. Most Angels fan seemed to dislike the name change to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Lets just go back to being the California Angels, the mid 90’s CA cap logo is still my favorite. Just don’t ever reuse the weird winged Angels logo and pinstripe uniforms.
I’m an Os fan but California Angels were always a favorite, mostly cause of that mid 90’s hat. I wish they would go back to
You know, the team that hasn’t won a ring in 30 years.
you had your chance to dish out $ to trout and you did… luckily he accepted it as a lil hometown discount… you wont have him after this contract
Upton, Trout, and Harper would be a pretty fun trio to watch. As long as Harper is kept out of the AL East, I’m a happy man lol
As long as he doesn’t end up on the Yankees, I wish him luck with wherever he signs.
Would just rather Harper not face the Rays on a consistent basis is what I’m saying lol
Hold on. Doesnt anyone follow him on instagram/twitter. Hes made it clear he wants to play for the “super team” and with his best friend. The Cubs will have the money. Its a done deal
agreed
Boras is one of the best things to happen to baseball.
You must be one of his clients
For players salaries for sure.. But the power the players wield now is more of a credit to Marvin Miller.
Marvin Miller would vomit if he saw what the MLB players union has done to what he built. Every CBA for the past two decades has pushed the players backwards.
Just for clarity, could you please specify which planet we’re talking about? Some might mistakenly believe you’re talking about something happing on or near the surface of Earth.
He really is a wonderful human being. He promotes loyalty as well as entirely accurate assessments of his players. He’s about honesty and integrity. Never misleads. As I raise my children I often refer to him for how to conduct a solid and well examined life.
Stephen Drew…….is that you!!!!
The e$calation of MLB contracts shows you how much Gigi the$e owners are making. No wonder they don’t want to open their books. Harper may cost more than to build a new stadium a few years back
What escalation? A-Rod got 25 per year 15 years ago! If anything the top end of the market has been stagnant for a decade. I think half the reason Boras wants Harper to enter free agency is he’s the one player who could force the top end of the market higher. I assume Boras will ask for 10/500 for Harper.
One guy got that because he cheated his way now that won’t buy you a good SP , that escalation . Middle relievers getting upwards towards 10 mil per year that escalation
That sure would make the Yankees decision to get Stanton look even better
Yanks never wanted Harper and I am happy we got Stanton instead, plus Stanton is a lot better than Harper when has Harper ever hit 59 home runs? NEVER
So if Harper hits 75 homeruns while batting .100 he would be better than Stanton? I mean if homeruns are the trump card then that has to be true.
Please don’t use the word “trump” as some people may end up triggered as a result.
That’s the way the game is going, GM.
Why not ask Mike Rizzo?
WOW! If Harper signs an extension, he would be proving so many of us wrong. I thought he would test market for sure. Anyways, they are just talking.
Dream on Angel fans he will end up with the Cubs you can bet the farm on it. Bryant and Harper since high school have dreamed about playing together and it’s happening in 2019
I hope you’re right! Trade a couple of our young bats to acquire some young pitching and keep our payroll as low as possible because Harper is going to cost a lot of bank!
He will not be a Cub.
And then Harper can rent out a couple villas to Bryant
Give up the farm. The Cubs are nowhere near the favorites to get him. The Phillies will get him.
nope…machado ans then trout… book it .. the phils would only conceivably offer harper 50mil more than the nats would in FA… would he go to the phils for that? NO. He will go Cubs, Nats, or (assuming DD stands relatively quiet this offseason), the RSox
Please explain why the Phillies would be the favorite to get him….
Lol. This should be good.
FAKE NEWS! He’s coming to NY.
An outfield of Judge, Harper and Stanton is as Yankee as you can get. Still think him being a Yankee is more realistic than the Cubs.
Biggest threat to pry him away from Washington is the Dodgers. They didnt go hard for Stanton for a reason.
You can say the same thing about the Cubs, that they didn’t go hard after Stanton for a reason too. Though somehow you think the team that did go after Stanton and land him has a better chance at Harper than the Cubs.
Cubbies will need to start paying their youngins in next few years, Bryant etc so not sure how them or anyone can afford Harper . If yanks were to sign him then he and Stanton would be more than halfway to billion for 2 dudes yikes
Harper will be half a billion by himself. 50 per year for 10 years.
Even worse , price of poker rising
The Cubs have some young, proven and cheap talent in the big league roster. Those guys have years of club control left. Trade a couple of those guys for young and controllable pitching. Now you have lowered your payroll, fixed a need with pitching, cleared room for a possible Harper signing, while also keeping the door open to extensions for Rizzo and Bryant.
No he’s not. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.
Boras doing his thing, funny he mentions it now. Most likely JD’s market is tepid. Teams might be saying if we spend that much on a contract we’ll get better value next year. Make no mistake if a team pays JD what Boras is asking for he’s the world’s best salesman.
You are very likely spot on. Trying to build a sense of urgency for his stable of soon to be overpaid free agents from this offseason
I didn’t think about this till you said it but you are spot on. Why overpay for Hosmer or Martinez this year if you’re the Red Sox when Machado and Harper are available next year? Unless you have a threshold such as we don’t give out contracts over $200 mil (which clearly no interested teams do). So that takes perhaps your best suitors at the start of the off-season off the table as teams that will overpay for him. I think Martinez does wind up in Boston but not nearly at the $160-200 mil price Boras wants. 5/$130 I think is what it will be and that’s an overpay as it is. I think due to a lack of need for a corner outfield power bat because outside of Arizona and San Francisco mentioned, the market is pretty limited. And Boston Arizona and San Fran are all more likely to wait out the superstar than overpay for the older and slower model. Also if you’re Boston, you either have to trade jbj or be ok with putting Hanley in an every day role at 1B and DH Martinez every day.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants pulled the trigger though I guess as their window to contend is closing faster than Boston or Arizona. They may feel a need to do something this off-season rather than taking their chances next off-season when everyone is a year older.
He’s not worth it, take away his 2015 season and he looks like a 15m a year player to me.
Yet he is only 25… he most likely has not reached his prime yet. So you’ll have to pay for that. No way he gets anything less than $25-30 a year.
$30 million dollars a year for 5 years.
Even taking away his best season, which is convenient, he’s been worth (in Fangraphs’ estimates), $30M, $29M, $11M (injury), $28M, $38M at ages 20-25 lol
Players aren’t paid solely based on performance. In fact marketability and additional revenue from merchandise, as well as name value play a huge factor in contracts. People don’t seem to understand that.
Lol ok
Do you know what a true $15MM player is now? It’s Chase Headley, DJ LeMahieu, and Brandon Crawford territory — about 2 WAR in 2017.
And in dah NBA it’s a benchwarmer
Let’s be realistic, the talks of an extension are just that, he’s gonna test the open market even with Stanton now on the Yankees. With the way the Nats tend to choke in the post season I’m sure he wouldn’t mind moving on from that franchise.
Anyone else sick of the Yankees screwing over small market teams? Yankee privilege and entitlement continues to have a negative impact on the game. The commissioner should consider adopting a hard salary cap and anti-collusion rules to protect small market teams in light of the Stanton debacle and the financial pressure the Yankees exert on other teams who can’t afford to retain their players.
I’m sure the commissioner would love to adopt a hard cap, but the PA has steadfastly refused that. They did institute a soft cap with the luxury tax threshold, which the Yankees are currently below for the first time ever, so this is an odd time to complain about that
Hate defending the Yankees but let’s not forget that teams need to be discouraged from tanking and selling off their assets as well. Let’s not forget the Marlins have often been baseball’s most profitable team. This was why the big slew of signings happened with Reyes and company. The ownership was just putting money in it’s pockets. While I agree teams like the Yankees and Red Sox and Dodgers give them the path to do it, the end game failure here is in baseball’s lack of moderating profit on teams that tank for long periods of time or repeatedly. So while yes overspending penalties should increase, teams making too much profit and not reinvesting any of it should forfeit their competitive balance funding and/or draft slot money and have a salary floor instituted after year 2 or 3 to force them to field a competitive team. This day in age if you can’t sustain a $100 million+ payroll with competitive balance taxes and what not, there’s a reason for that and it’s that you’re not Fielding a competitive team. Increasing penalties on teams over the luxury tax even further or hard capping it at like $200 mil is a reasonable counterbalance, no doubt.
It’s no shocker that of the 7 teams that were under the $100 million mark, 0 made the wild card. Of the 23 teams that were over $100 mil 10 made the playoffs. Last year (2016) I believe 1 of 10 teams made it (Indians) and they went on to increase payroll beyond $125 mil to continue to thrive this season. While it’s not this simple, in the given small sample, teams spending $100 mil+ have a 40-45% chance of a wild card birth whereas underspending gives a 1 or 2/17 or roughly 6-13% chance of a playoff birth. Yes it’s more complicated than that, but the numbers don’t lie. It’s not fair that owners are allowed to payroll dump like that for more than a season or 2.
Teams need to stop trying to field the superteam bringing in years and years of high draft picks and prospects and focus on being competitive. Often it’s an underdog going in that makes a world series run. Just ask the Giants.
Yeah, ask those scrappy underdog Giants. Precious.
Agents would freak out right? Owners look what curt flood started
What collusion? They had better deals in place with Cardinals and Giants. Stanton said no. Stanton said he only wanted to go to 4 teams. The past few days, it’s come out only 3 had interest (Yankees, Dodgers and Astros).
I’m all for anti-collusion policies. You know, like the ones they already have that the Yankees and Marlins didn’t violate.
They may not have a hard salary cap but i do like the new luxury tax rule.
I do agree, get a damn salary cap in baseball set.
Stop whining City. The Yankees like all teams pay penalties that finance small market teams and cheap owners. In the meantime, put your jealousy in the largest offender, the Dodgers. The Yankees will be under the cap this year.
don’t think it’s a coincidence he’s looking to extend with the Nats just days after the Yanks became a whole lot less likely to be a serious suiter
Totally. If Nats are willing to extend to a ridiculous amount then the talks are worth it.
With Yankees likely off the table( unless they can move Jacoby- Gardner off books if they want to let him go next year, but his 12MM likely goes to Players with ARB increases)
Cubs would be in too.. ..
At the same time perhaps the Nationals are doing an early measure. If Harper will cost 40MM/yr, perhaps they spend the money Differently and let him walk.
Braves fan first, Cubs fan second, and knowing the Braves won’t be in the bidding for Harper I hope the Cub are. However, I don’t care if he turns into the second coming of Babe Ruth, there’s is no way I’d handicap my team buy committing 40% or more of my payroll to one person..
Trout and Harper, MLB’s next richest players imo, have yet to bring a championship to their organization. Not saying they won’t ever but you need a team to win a championship, not just one player. If most of your payroll is tied up in one player, how can you field a viable team with what’s left?
I really doubt the Braves will be players for Machado, Harper or even Trout. Just to much money. That said, I think the Braves are well on their way to build a brilliant team with FFreeman style deals. $21m vs $31m aav is a huge deal.
Did you read the article? They had extension talks last month.
Good point, that’s a big ace team that won’t be bidding up cost. Thinking dodgers nats and whom else can afford Harper? Sorry beside Red Sox
Cubs, Yankees
Lol, I’m sure the Nats are meeting the guaranteed money ask, but Boras/Harper are having trouble negotiated them down from the deferment of 100MM years…
40M/yr for 15 years, and an additional 400M deferred, to be paid in monthly installments of $19.99
Bryce Harper has to go. The nationals will never get out the first round
If I had to guess, these “talks” involved Boras setting some horrifyingly high figure (like well into the $500m’s) and the Nats going “Well, okay then.”
Boras isn’t really expecting an extension–he’s looking for floor “we have an offer for $350M over 10 years.”
He is signing with philly. Along with Machado and trading for trout.
Don’t forget the inevitable Kershaw signing! I also think they’ll trade for Jose Altuve, Corey Kluber, and Aaron Judge. PHILLIES: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 World Series Champions!!!
I don’t think you understand that the Phillies are actually very likely to sign both. They are the favorites.
2025, too. Judge will have a team option year.
1…billion…dollars
He’s certain to get over $400 million… 15 years for $500 million? Or a shorter term 10 years for $400+ million?
As a Yankee fan this pleases me. Continue on.
These contracts are ridiculous. That’s why I don’t go to games or buy jerseys. Can’t support this lunacy.
But you do support it by watching games on TV.
Like complaining about commercializing Christmas while you’re in the checkout line
Boras being his benevolent self. Totally has nothing to do with Stanton c-ock blocking Harper in New York.
Least shocking news of the day. Harper will test the open market.
Biggest threat to land Harper or Machardo or Kershaw: The Phillies.
3 reasons – 1. They have one contract on the books..for 6 million annually…thats it.. For a big market team to pay 40 a year to get Harper or less for Kershaw with an open book and blank checkbook, its them.
2. That young core in philly will have a whole year together and get that much better. Harper or marchardo, with hoskins, crawford, williams, herrea, kingery… Could become 2008 again real fast in philly with just a few additions…
3. Ownership in philly hates not spending money……they’ll give 400 to harper and 200 for kershaw.
Didn’t know philly is a big market team, maybe a secondary market team
He’ll be either go to the Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels, or stay home with the Nationals. My money is that he goes to the Phillies or goes out west to join the Dodgers. Could also see him staying with the Nats but I don’t think he’ll ever win with the Nats and he knows that…
hilarious comment. Makes so much sense. Would love to hear your arguement for never winning with Nationals.
The past 5 years.
Boom. You win.
Are you dumb? That’s why they got a new manager. They can’t win.
No but arguing that any of those seasons has to do with the other is…
Literally no logical way to say Nats cant win and then relate it to post season success of four different teams.
A more sound arguement would be that the constant new managers is actually whats wrong.
LA is definitely in play. They have more than 60 million coming off the books after next season.
Maybe, but it’s doubtful this FO wants to spend big money on a FA like Harper. They haven’t shown a tendency to put up the money for long, expensive contracts. Plus they have Puig for another year after this and a couple of intriguing OF prospects developing in the minors. Also, don’t forget that $30+ million of that should be earmarked for Kershaw extension. At least it had better be.
I know the cubs basically print money like the other big market teams, but can they afford heyward, Bryant in couple years, Harper and other young core coming up for free agency soon? If Bryant continues he could potentially top Harper. Heyward is signed through 2024 so that could easily be 100 million plus a year for three players? Not to mention rest of young core who will be free agents or extended by then. Serious question here.
Their best hope is that heyward has a career year in his opt out year and then he opts out
Of course the Cubs can afford to add $50MM to $70MM their annual payroll without breaking a sweat. That would put them well over $200MM+, and the only teams currently allowed to go over that dollar figure are the Dodgers and Yankees. So the simple answer is no, the league will not allow the Cubs to add significant salary until one of NY or LA win a championship first. Yeah, it’s rigged and the consumers who don’t realize it are the ones getting screwed.
They can put the pressure on Heyward to opt out, which is more than likely what’s going to happen.
Need a way to rid themselves of heyward$ contract. An Epstein stain no one talks about because they are too busy patting him on back. He is good I will give him that but like all not perfect
Right!!! The Heyward contract is a prime candidate for the most glaring albatross in baseball history, and there’s no way to candy coat it, spin it, or justify it. Massive mistake on Epstein’s part, and he’ll forever own it.
Stanton will look like a bargain compaired to machado and Harper, especially Harper
It’ll still be an awful contract
Not the best contact in the world but it will pale in comparison to Harper lol
A bad contract is a bad contract, other ones being as bad or worse don’t really change that..
Harper is a huge injury risk for that kind of money. Half his career has been under 120 games a season.
Heck Stanton has only done it 3 out of 7 years (rookie season removed)
A lot of money for guys who spend a bunch of time on the DL.
Yep he will want to renegotiate in a few years 🙂 unless there’s an opt out he’s stuck , I know tough right
I bet Harper winds up making at LEAST a thousand dollars a year!!!
…and possibly, a thousand dollars for every time he swings a bat…
A thousand dollars every time he sees a bat
Follow him on social media people. Hes made it clear he will take less money to play with his best friend in Chicago. Yes, he scoffed at 400 million. I cant wait to watch him turn down more money from 4 or 5 other teams to go to the cubs.
Don’t hold your breath, boras won’t let him. Thought they hated each other growing up together in Vegas ?
Not to say you are wrong but I would like direct quotes showing this
He’ll sign with the Mets.
Rays.
He will be a Cub. His best buddy (Kris Bryant) is actively recruiting him, and Harper has dropped many hints that he would like to play for the Cubs, for the past 6 months. Also, the moves that Theo and Jedd have made, so far, indicate that they’re clearing enough monetary space for him.
Still need to dump heyward$ salary. Not sure what other monetary moves they are making to make room for him? Not signing JA is nothing to what Harper will cost
Let me be the first to welcome him to the Cardinals!
That would crap in everyone’s hat
And here I thought the Nationals expected him to take a 20% hometown discount
If the cubs let Rizzo walk then they will go all out for Harper. Rizzo is a pending free agent right or am I mistaken ?
Why would the Cubs let Rizzo walk?
Anthony Rizzo was signed to a very team friendly 7 yrs/$42M contract extension thru 2019, (13-19) with $16.5M team options in each of 20-21.
I’m sure him and agent no likey dat
Marlins have some cash coming off the books next year.
I expect Bryce Harper to be in Chicago come opening day 2019, perhaps on the South Side but much more likely on the North Side joining fellow Las Vegas native and MVP Kris Bryant.
I thought they hated each other bitter rivals growing up in Vegas bickering over who was better? Or maybe it was their helicopter Dads? Anyways good to know they matured and made peace. Was he at bryants wedding this year?
You thought what? No they have been good friends since childhood. No bickering and no issues with parents.
Never even been any reports like that.
This is just some crap you made up in your head saying they hate each other and bicker over who is better. You are a fool
We will see what is most important to him. Hopefully it is winning and playing with his friend KB and not the biggest contract. I Never liked J Hey’s deal even when I thought he might hit .280 and 20hr 80rbi 20stls. When he got more than 5yrs and 85mil it was not a wise investment to say the least.