We took a look yesterday at some of the early chatter on Bryce Harper. While the early chatter has been less voluminous with regard to fellow superstar Manny Machado, there’s little doubt that he will have his moment as well. As the stage-setting GM Meetings draw to a close, let’s check in on some additional notes on the market’s most-hyped free agents.
- Some eyebrows raised this evening when it was observed that the White Sox had unveiled a stage set at Chicago’s United Center featuring Bryce Harper’s name. As Chris Cwik of Yahoo Sports explains, there’s no reason to think this was the beginning of the roll-out of a signing; our readers from the south side can safely inform friends and neighbors that there’s nothing imminent. More likely, it’s part of a recruiting pitch for the popular young free agent, who is in Chicago today. The news shouldn’t be blown out of proportion, clearly, but that doesn’t mean it’s of no consequence. Evidently, the White Sox are serious enough pursuers that they have secured an in-person visit and are putting resources into a pitch. That certainly dovetails with recent reports and public statements from the organization indicating that the club is looking to spend. It also bodes well for Harper’s market that a team such as the White Sox is making a run at him even after he reportedly turned down a $300MM offer to remain in D.C.
- As for the cross-town Cubs, all indications remain that they do not see themselves as a contender for Harper’s services, as ESPNChicago.com’s Jesse Rogers reiterates on Twitter. As Rogers puts it, if the club is “playing possum,” it’s “doing a heck of a job” at selling the act.
- It remains to be seen what stance the Giants will take with regard to Harper, particularly as Farhan Zaidi settles into his new digs atop the club’s baseball operations department. As John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports, though, agent Scott Boras certainly seems to see San Francisco as a viable landing spot for his client. Harper, he says, views the organization fondly — and would not only deliver value on the field, but off of it. As for the club’s viewpoint, it’s tough to say whether Harper will be deemed a sensible target. CEO Larry Baer said “there’s no restrictions” for his new top baseball decisionmaker; whether or not to join the bidding on Harper (or other hyper-expensive free agents) is “a judgment [Zaidi] is going to need to make.”
- Of course, as Shea highlights, and Baer himself noted, that sort of outlay did not fit the M.O. of either of Zaidi’s prior two ballclubs — even those pesky division rivals to the south. Speaking of the Dodgers, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times wrote recently that Harper is a player worthy of breaking the mold (and the bank) to acquire. Beyond his qualities as a ballplayer, Hernandez argues that Harper has the star power — and the right kind of attitude — to thrive in Los Angeles.
- Interestingly, the Cardinals, per Jon Heyman of Fancred, “do not seem interested” in Machado despite seemingly lining up from the perspective of roster need. But there has been quite a lot of discussion in St. Louis circles as to whether Harper might be a target. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch laid out the state of affairs recently. The Cards, he says, are seen as “a factor” in the market for Harper. While some would write the St. Louis organization off due to a lack of monster contracts on their ledger, it’s worth bearing in mind that the club has entered significant bids for players such as Jason Heyward (see here) and David Price (see here) in recent seasons, and also sought to acquire Giancarlo Stanton last winter.
- And what of the Yankees? The situation hasn’t really changed since last we checked in, but Joel Sherman of the New York Post takes a crack at thinking through how things may play out. There’s little indication at present that the New York club has any real intention of going for Harper. But Machado makes for a much more intriguing roster fit, and could prove particularly tantalizing.
xabial
Harper will sign with the Yankees
allweatherfan
No he won’t
xabial
“Boras floated the notion that his top free agent, Bryce Harper, could shift from outfield to first base… designed for Yankees whose first-base situation remains unsettled
“Bryce has the feet, hands and skill to certainly adapt to first base,” Boras said.
Cashman smiled and said, “I don’t know” when asked whether Harper could handle such a transition.
“Obviously he’s extremely talented and athletic,”
“We’ll assess everything in the marketplace and how it might fit us,” Cashman continued. “I haven’t talked to Scott yet, but I try to talk to everybody while I’m here.
nypost.com/2018/11/07/agent-adds-a-yankees-aimed-w…
xabial
Don’t trust Joel Sherman for anything Yankees.
Mlbtr you’re killing me. Yesterday was SNY… today Joel Sherman. What’s tomorrow? Boston Globe? Don’t get me wrong, you guys are legends just pick the most anti-Yankee sources around. Oh well
JustOnePitch
Don’t trust the NY Post for anything at all.
thecoffinnail
I would much rather see them spend $35m+ on Corbin and resigning Happ. Then they can take the money they were paying Robertson and use it to resign Britton. Somebody has to bat 9th. Might as well be Voit or Bird. Signing Harper makes zero sense. None. They need pitching and lots of it.
billysbballz
You want them to give Corbin 35 million a year????
I’m stunned that Yankee fans think if they decide to go after Harper for 1st base let’s just say that they won’t go after pitchers? How silly does that sound?
Slevin
ok, this is the third time I’ve openly agreed with you on something..Joel Sherman indeed can’t be trusted on anything Yankees.
Pab
I hate the Yankees but I agree with what you said. I’d be pretty pissed as a fan if they did that. And how are they going to try to sign trout in 2 years if he’s available
davidcoonce74
I don’t think any team should be counting on Trout to become available. I think his FA dovetails nicely with the end of Pujols’ albatross contract, and the Angels will break the bank to keep Trout; he’s a generational kind of player, may end up as the best player of all time by the end of his career, and I doubt he leaves LA unless the team is absolutely floundering.
nyy42
Try reading…
Brewers39
No. They said Corbin AND Happ. $35MM combined.
matteste187
I think he meant use the whole $35M to sign BOTH Corbin and Happ.
callingoutdummies247
He said $35 millon for both you fool. Learn to read
wreckage
Or you can simply spin things for your own perspective as per usual. Worst. Poster. Ever.
frankthetank1985
Dude, he said 35 for Corbin and happ. Combined. Total. And for everyone else, just because the reports isn’t what you want to hear doesn’t make it incorrect. Yankees need pitching. They already have world class talent across the board. Need pitching pitching pitching. Not as sexy as 500ft homeruns and playboys half running to first base. But it is what it will take to take the next step. Pitching.
fox471 Dave
Relax!
gilgunderson
Except for the occasionally funny headline. That’s it.
Sirsleepit
If you reread what he said, the $35 mil would be for Corbin and happ combined.
RedRooster
They are absolutely floundering.
cxcx
But he said $35m for Corbin *and* Happ…
JKB 2
No one said to give Corbin $35 million a year. How in the world could you think that
thelastonetodie
I say they sign machado after his market cools
xabial
Maybe^
Hoping for Harper, could very well be neither.
billysbballz
I don’t want another right handed bat that can’t run, has 2 operated knees, has minimal range at SS, only can play third, and wants 350 plus million? I much rather have Harper bat and his prior injuries. At least I know it will play more for Yankee stadium as he ages! Machado has that look of becoming an ARod albatross!
I Believe We Can Win
They’re not gonna pay 30 mill a season for Harper to primarily play 1st.
You could trade for Jose Martinez get equivalent production for cheaper.
JustOnePitch
I don’t think the Yankees are looking for a 30 year old DH.
JustOnePitch
Especially one that bats right-handed.
nyy42
Jose Martinez? Do watch baseball?
Slevin
Exactly, this trade for Jose Martinez is a tired, and ridiculous narrative started by a Cardinals fan on here..who posts it constantly. Now this guy..no way dude.
batty
Anyone trading for J. Martinez has to either have a full time DH opening or be okay with very poor defense at 1st or a corner OF spot. I just can’t see the Yankees being willing to comply.
E_To_The_G
Just curious what you think about the possibility of them trading for Carlos Santana would be? I think the Phillies trade him and eat salary for a better return.
Perksy
Well they already have one in Giancarlo.
Marc (Phillies Phan)
xabial – They are in the top 4, but I would rank them at 4. Last week, I was thinking 0%; so I agree that Boras is expanding it.
Here is why I doubt this a little – to get Harper to the asking price, he needs the Yankees to bid so he can use it as leverage. They certainly can afford him right now.
I just do not know if Cashman is hard set. I saw his “I don’t know” was because he wanted to be sly OR he knew what the reporter wanted – thus, he kept us in the dark.
So I am saying the Yankees may be in, but I am nowhere sold near where you are. I think the Dodgers may sign him before anyone. They are much more desperate to win the World Series.
JustOnePitch
Boras definitely wants to use the Yankees as leverage, but the Yankees could also use a big left handed bat. Cashman knows that Boras will eventually stop by with a sales pitch, so there’s no reason to give Boras any advantages. Harper is one the few batters that makes sense between Judge and Stanton. Plus, dominant lefty mashers are pretty scarce commodity nowadays. It might be a while before another one becomes available. I’m sure the Yankees already have an internal value placed on Harper, and if he’s available for something close that value, the Yanks will be involved down to the wire. If the market goes bonkers, the Yankees will reluctantly take a pass. I’m not sure this is what the Yankees are thinking, but it’s what they should be thinking!
perx
First base is in good hands with former Cardinal Luke Volt… and a hell of price also!!
sleepyfloyd
WTF would a young athletic OF want to move to 1B? Makes no sense for Harpers brand and his career trajectory.
wrigleywannabe
I dont see it, either, but worrying about “brand” is silly.
Also, first base could be a longer career than OF
Money is money
silverrose
It will be hard for him to make it to all of the Yankees games while playing for the Cardinals
Slevin
I bet you said that last year about Stanton.
juicemane
No free agent wants to sign with st louis…you overpay for ozuna type players or Donaldson when he is 34 and will be often injured…those are the best that st louis can get…your team is like a ugly woman. Gotta go to Japan to find a good SP like mail order brides and sh** lol. But really thank goodness you lucked into mikolas because last season would of been at least 10 games worse
CardsNation5
With 11 rings and that player from Japan was an All-Star this past season. Hater
Chromimw
And yet they continue to be a top organization and win. You sound like an absolute fool and a pathetic hater juicemane. Humble yourself clown.
Slevin
Only 16 more to go.
JustOnePitch
It makes too much sense, so it probably won’t happen.
bad bruce
You must be one of those Yankee fans that thinks you don’t need pitching to actually win…
imgman09
You are Dreaming and it don’t make Baseball sense
baseballlegend1910
The Yankees will do anything for Harper. I’m surprised they brought back Gardner.
thebare54
Only if he can be the Catcher after resigning there Captain so no yanks Won’t be pulling that chain lol
downsr30
The Braves and Nationals make most sense as a destination for Harper..
Machado seems like a given to sign with Philly. I’d fear how much his ambition and drive drop once he gets paid.
Senioreditor
And how Phillie Fans will treat him if things don’t go well……
dimitrios in la
Both good points of concern.
HalosHeavenJJ
I’m with you. Getting a huge contract won’t help his attitude or hustle.
acmeants
Braves fans don’t want Harper. Personally, I don’t think he’s worth more than a dollar. Maybe $.99.
armysole81
Nah manny will but Bryce will go to the phillys
Marc (Phillies Phan)
Phillies need Machado much more. That is why I think Machado will get signed first. I said this before: I am not keen on Harper or Machado, but the Phillies need to do something to keep up with the Braves right now.
Tom
I don’t see how the Phillies “need” Machado much more than Harper. The Phillies need players, they need stars to drive in the crowds and ratings. Machado might be a better player up to this point—I’d bet on Harper’s ceiling and longevity over Machado’s though—but Harper is more of a “star” that will sell tickets. People will come to see Harper if they love him AND hate him. It’s the nature of the beast.
As for which position—infield or outfield—is more of a “need”…I think that’s undetermined. Yeah, the Phillies infield is terrible (with some potential), but so is the outfield. Is Nick Williams, and his potential, so much better than Mikail Franco’s? Because that’s what it essentially comes down to…the Phillies need Machado because Williams has potential…oh, and because they drafted Moniak and Hasely in back to back years. But they also drafted Bohm, who is a third baseman (what Machado truly is, and will likely play long-term).
Harper is the better fit for what the Phillies need, first (and most importantly to ownership) because of what he brings in terms of star power and recognition, and secondly because of his play on the field.
GrandpaBaseball
Nah to Harper and Yeah to trading for Trout. If Mikey wanted to stay in SoCal he would of have signed by now a lifetime contract. Indicators lean towards the Phil’s. If Trouty slips from the Phillies grasp look for the Yankees to step up and trade Stanton, Torreys, along with Torres and Sheffield to the Halos for the Super Star soon to get the 2 years remaining. Trout and Machado with Sanchez, Didi upon return and Bird with the rest. And Andujar might be acted instead of Torres. 3b a problem for Angels, even though Andujar should be at 1st. Mikey could lead either of those two to a WS.
rbachman22
He’ll sign with Phillies
JoeyPankake
What sort of return would the Phillies need for Franco?
andremets
Not that much. He seems like a borderline non-tender candidate to me
Marc (Phillies Phan)
My opinion: Franco is very streaky. When he is on, he is on. When he is cold, well…. That being known – He stepped up his game. I would say a #3 or #4 pitcher or a solid defender position player. You won’t use him as a centerpiece for Mike Trout or Realmuto for sure; but you could probably get a Sonny Gray (outside of Yankee Stadium) or a Jonathan Lucroy type (I know he is a free agent; as an example).
NBC Philadelphia says the Padres like Franco. They won’t get Francisco Mejía for sure.
ASapsFables
Well, at least I was correct about my Bryce Harper in the Bulls hat assumption. It’s a long way from signing him but the NBA style dog and pony show has begun in earnest, something that Jerry Reinsdorf is all too familiar with.
kidaplus
Maybe he’ll send Benny the Bull to meet him at O’Hare…
davelsu
.249 batting average..one 100 rbi season…$300 million? Complete idiocy
Ian1209
Batting average is a stupid statistic
Westkycubs
I am sorry but I still like looking at batting avg home runs and especially RBIs
davidcoonce74
Getting on base is the most important skill in baseball. BA isn’t particularly important in that context and RBIs are completely team-dependent and don’t really measure any particular skill.
retire21
BA is the biggest driver of OBP.
davidcoonce74
That’s not even mathematically correct
thelastonetodie
OPS? WAR? his career WAR is really good, in todays market, hes worth more than 300M
JustOnePitch
Get off my cherry tree, troll! Holy cow, Mike Trout hasn’t cracked 80 rbi since 2016. The Angels better salary dump him before he rakes in $34 million next year!
daved
Trout can’t get 80 rbi because of the shiit around him.
JustOnePitch
I understand this completely. The reply is lined up as a response to davelsu. His comment lacked critical thought to the point where I assumed he was troll. When it comes to measuring a players offensive output, I think BA is an important component, but it’s not capable of reflecting a player’s offensive value on its own. As for RBIs, it’s a team statistic, and it should never be used to evaluate a player’s offensive value to any extent. By combining cherry picked BA and RBI stats to build an opinion on Harper’s future contract, davelsu has defied all common logic. This lead me to the assumption that he’s a troll, which I still believe.
Jesse Cook
The Cardinals have more money then what people think they do. They may not sign Harper but I am willing to bet they will be right in the thick of it. I wouldn’t rule them out just yet.
I Believe We Can Win
Unless the cardinals are throwing 40 mill at him theyd be beaten out by competitive offers.
Marc (Phillies Phan)
This will KILL me to say this, but St. Louis is a great city to play ball in and not many MLB teams have friendlier fans. I never understood why they had to overpay. Yuk Yuk
I don’t think Machado is a fit for the Cards. I don’t mean a need, they need him, but he represents everything the fans do not like. Harper wants the spotlight and if the Cubs/Cardinals rivalry heats up and he were to hit 60 HRs (unlikely) he may get what he wants.
My own opinion.
JoeyPankake
When you have money to throw 300 or even 200 million bucks at free agents you certainly shouldn’t get a competitive balance pick because you play in a “small market”.
Vedder80
The amount of money a team has has no bearing on the size of the market in which the team is located. For example, in the NFL, the Rams have a lot of money, but was the market in St. Louis the same as the market in LA?
Priggs89
And the size of the market in which the team is located should have no bearing on whether or not they get a free draft pick for “competitive balance.”
Ian1209
Yankees will sign Machado
mistry gm
Attitude is EVERYTHING. I wouldn’t want Machado on my amateur soft ball team.
Palmerpark
Love see him in Orange & Black, Giants are one thing this off season that they rarely are with the changing of the guard going on – unpredictable…..
Palmerpark
Love to see him in Orange & Black, Giants are one thing this off season that they rarely are with the changing of the guard going on – unpredictable…..
baseball1600
It’s most likely philly, ny, or sf at this point.
JoeyPankake
Throwing a bunch of money at 1 player and expecting it to fix a bad team is what the old regime would have done. Zaidi is too smart to do that.
Yeti
Months are going to go by on these guys. Nobody is going to pay the insane price.
ramonskee
Main difference with Harper is the mass appeal – he will bring out baseball fans and women that are not baseball fans. He’s definitely marketable and isn’t shy to put himself out there (commercials, events, etc.). He is more than an on-field attraction.
Tom
He’ll also likely bring out the people that “hate” him and just want to watch him fail. Sometimes those are the customers who spend the most money. Harper is definitely the better financial bet.
Pab
That’s true. Whatever team that signs him will have a face for their franchise, add revenue, and have a crowd draw that can have the owner/s not worry too much about winning since they’ll make it up in money
Polar Girl
The Yankees had a payroll of $209 million or $314M after 50% luxury tax so they have money for both Harper and Machado with plenty left over for Kluber and Corbin/Happ. Ellsbury will be a free agent in two years and Kluber in three Stanton has an opt out even sooner. The Yankees would have to pay maximum luxury tax for only a year or two at maximum luxury tax before one or both opt out of their new contracts.
Not saying that the Yankees will sign either let alone both. Just saying the money is there if Hal decides to be a Steinbrenner.
StarkContrast
That’s now how the luxury tax works. The tax is only on the overage, not total payroll.
Yeti
How in the world did this get a single upvote? It is so obviously wrong on multiple levels. What even brought you to type this up…? Did you hope the Yankees would come on MLBTR and read it?
Jered Stuehlmeyer
Yes, we are aware of the reason why the Yanks have the most world series wins, as would any team that could shell out as much …but they cant. It’s why Harper in his mind will never sign with the cheaters lol! He has zero interest in you crooks ..morons! All of ya!
Priggs89
Love it. Bring out all the stops, Jerry.
Dennid
What about Cincinnati landing Harper?
Westkycubs
That would shake things up for sure. From what I remember the Reds seemed to have some young developing hitters though they really need pitching to contend. Seeing a team like Cincy sign Harper would be good for baseball though I truly believe
billysbballz
Why even go there? Cincy unfortunately is a AAA team with awful ownership. I’m hoping they get back in the game but what free agent wants to go there?
c1234
Well honestly Cincinnati would still suck, they need pitching to be in contention!
stan lee the manly
This would solve a grand total of zero of their current glaring problems.
Pitching, pitching, pitching. And probably pitching.
bigcheesegrilledontoast
Carpenter
Ozuna
Harper
DeJong
Bader
Molina
Wong
Russell
O’Neill
Kelly
Munoz
Trade Fowler,Jose Martinez, Gyorko.
Get Harper, Russell.
ASapsFables
You don’t see too many trades involving the Cubs and the Cardinals. I’m old enough to have witnessed Lou Brock in Cubbie blue playing alongside fellow HOF outfielder Billy Williams and the fateful deal that sent him to their long standing rivals.
A deal involving fan favorite leadoff hitting OF Dexter Fowler back to the North Side for tarnished and suspended SS Addison Russell would certainly be intriguing if nothing else provided the dollars could be worked out with the remaining albatross contract of the former. Both players produced 4.1 WAR metrics for the 2016 World Champion Cubs before falling on hard times and for different reasons.
Perhaps the front offices of each team can be creative and swap the two bad OF contracts of Fowler and former Cardinal Jason Heyward with the Cubs throwing in Russell for good measure. The Cubs will have acquired their needed leadoff hitter in Fowler and then have enough cash leftover to realistically pursue Bryce Harper for RF. The Cardinals get a proven Gold Glove RF in Heyward along with a potential one at SS in Russell. Who says no first to this deal?
davidcoonce74
Nobody’s trading for Russell; he’s probably being released this spring. It’s not too hard to imagine his career is over. Heyward also still has some value while Fowler has none. Can’t really see these teams matching up for a trade.
twentyforty
Russell won’t be released. Period.
ABCD
It’s easy to see Addison Russell have a long career. Redemption will be his if he works through it. Theo has his back.
daved
Yeah, a 25 year old’s career is over. Much like Osuna’s is?
acmeants
Yeah, he will be polishing his halo soon. Not!
ABCD
The Cubs passed on signing Fowler to long term contracts twice. I’m sure they like Dex but Heyward is still a better player. And you want to throw in Russell because he’s a moral stain?
ASapsFables
No. I want to trade Jason Heyward so the Cubs can replace him in RF with Bryce Harper. I don’t see any team taking on Heyward’s contract without swapping another bad one or the Cubs eating substantial dollars which defeats the purpose of trying to sign Harper.
Addison Russell would be an unnecessary luxury with his baggage when the Cubs already have an equally gifted defensive player and better hitter to play SS in Javier Baez. They can also roll with Ben Zobrist to be their primary second baseman for 2019 in his final contract year or sign Gold Glover DJ LeMahieu to an expected cheap FA contract to pair with Baez.
I realize that by adding Harper and Fowler to the OF mix will mean less playing time for your son but that’s baseball. Schwarb’s ideally belongs in the AL anyway and there ought to be plenty of teams that might want to trade for his big left-handed power bat including the Yankees and White Sox.
Wainofan
Russell? As in Addison Russell? Wtf would Cards want him for? And how would they acquire him? Think a trade with cubs is likely?
batty
So you like the woman beater?
Westkycubs
With all the love for Chicago would be crazy if Bryce ended up in black. Still wish the Cubs could figure out a way but if not I really don’t want them to break this core up just yet. We had an injury year from Bryant. Contreras, Schwarber, Almora, and Happ are all still really young and are still developing in the major league level. They all work hard and I truly believe they will elevate their games with a little more experience. If we sign some more bullpen pieces and find a backup catcher that can hit I look for our offense to rebound next year.
mistry gm
With bad, long term contracts for Heyward, Darvish and Chatwood and the behavior of Russell I honestly believe Mr. Epstein had better trade Russell, even at a loss. I would swap the others for a bag of balls and I believe the core of young hitters (Happ and Schwarber) should get more playing time.
ramonskee
1) Yoan Moncada 2B
2) Bryce Harper CF
3) Jose Abreu 1B
4) Eloy Jimenez LF
5) Avi Garcia RF
6) Daniel Palka DH
7) Beef Castillo C
8) Tim Anderson SS
9) Yolmer Sanchez 3B
ASapsFables
That OF might be the worst defensive one in all of MLB. If the White Sox are fortunate enough to win the Bryce Harper sweepstakes early enough then Avisail Garcia becomes an even more likely non-tender candidate by the November 3oth deadline. If not, Garcia might still be non-tendered, released for a pro-rated discount before opening day or simply traded.
Gold Glove finalist Adam Engel would be even more necessary in CF with Eloy Jimenez in LF and Bryce Harper in RF, at least until Luis Robert is ready for prime time in 2020 or 2021. I also envision Yoan Moncada moving to 3B in 2019 in order to make way for Nick Madrigal at 2B in 2020. Slick fielding Yolmer Sanchez would return to 2B and keep it warm until Madrigal’s South Side debut.
bad bruce
That’s still the worst lineup in baseball.
ChiSoxCity
Keep your day job, burce.
natsfan1066
The talk of Harper playing first base is if he receives the 14 year deal as some were speculating and that in the later part of his career that could be a viable option to consider. I don’t think nor do I see that happening anytime in the near future.
billysbballz
I disagree. He is athletic enough and wants to play first enough to become a Yankee? Read his espn interview as a hyped once in a generation talent who was a consensus number 1 pick and he stated he envisions himself as a Yankee winning titles because his Dad loved the Yankees and Mickey Mantle! Why not make it happen? I much rather have his left handed bat then Machado right bat and double knee surgeries trying to play SS until he’s moved to third for Didi.
JFactor
Putting Harper in between Stanton and Judge is simply unfair.
And the Yankees could easily play 2 of the 3 at a corner outfield while the third DH’s
JFactor
The Yanks could get both and Corbin all in one off-season if they really wanted to
C – Sanchez
1B – Bird/Voit other complimentary player
2B – Torres
3B – Andujar
SS – Machado
LF – Judge
CF – Hicks
RF – Stanton
DH – Harper
Easily the best lineup in baseball, could be a 6 run per night offense.
Of course, this assume the Yankees stop caring about the luxury tax and just buy up every one they can.
davidcoonce74
I think he’s less valuable at first; I’m sure he can play the position well, but it would be a waste of his arm and his athleticism. I know he had bad defensive numbers in 2018, but look – hitters have bad seasons occasionally, and sometimes it’s reasonable to think fielders might have bad seasons too. It didn’t help that he played a few dozen games in center. But he had good defensive numbers before 2018, and he has that great arm. I suppose I could see him at first for the Yankees if they just really felt like breaking the bank for him, but it seems like a bit of a poor use of his talents.
daved
Defensive metrics are a joke. Point example: Jon Jay finalist for gold glove. That alone should make defensive metrics disappear for good.
hollidayfever
Derp de der! Great argument for the old eye test Grandpa. Seriously, what system have you come up with to trump what every single MLB org use to assess players defensively? Go on, I’ll wait.
daved
So you think a guy who played 45 games in RF for Arizona, who has no arm or speed, is a GG caliber player? Go ahead, I’ll wait on your answer for that too, Palmeiro played 28 games at 1B in 1999 and WON the GG.. I could go on and on with these worthless, manager voted awards, but I already know what I know.. It’s a popularity contest that most times doesn’t elect the best fielder. Kolten Wong for example this year at 2B. Harrison Bader in CF wasn’t even a finalist, yet they both were rated in DRS as best at their position. So why don’t you explain that to me. Then, explain the defensive metrics to us all and how they are calculated. I already know the answer. YOU CAN’T. This is why GG awards won’t get guys into the HOF. Just ask Edmonds and Andruw Jones about it. Back in their day, the election was voted on best 3 OF period. So they both got awards some years even though they played the same position in the same league. So go “derp de der” that, whatever the eff that means?
JFactor
I think it would be awesome if both Harper and Machado could join the same team, and compliment a great young core, like for the Braves or Phillies, or even White Sox.
They are young enough, that a team that has been rebuilding, but doesn’t have any bad payroll really, could put both of them in the same lineup and graduate a core around them.
Go back to 2015, if both of these guys were free agents and had signed with the Cubs while they graduate Bryant, Hendricks, Rizzo and Baez as an example.
Remove Heyward and Darvish from future signings.
They’d be the best team in baseball for a decade.
c1234
Baez, Harper, and Machado on the same team would be very good, but cmon thats just unrealistic.
JFactor
I take it you didn’t actually read the post at all.
acmeants
Harper and Machado in the Braves lineup? Ha, ha, ha. Why would the Braves entertain wading into that toxic waste dump?
josebatista89
The White Sox’s make a lot of sense for Harper as well. Think about it. It’s a big market in Chicago. He would be the big star in Chicago. They have the money. Him and Jose Abrau would be scary. The division looks like it’s going to be obtainable with the Indians about to begin the rebuild and the Stro’s ageing. They have one of the best farm system’s in the game so they can make moves for other players if need be.
ChrisEnvy76
Chicago is a Cubs city, no one cares about the White Sox, not even their own “fans” who prefer to talk about the Cubs to their own team.
c1234
Until they have a good season..
ChiSoxCity
Judging from the fan turnout at the Championship parade in downtown Chicago, I’d say A LOT of people care about the White Sox. No, they don’t have the bandwagon media exposure generated by WGN. The White Sox are exclusively and uniquely Chicago. In contrast, half of the Cubs fanbase are from some other burb, city, state or country. These people couldn’t give a flip about the city or it’s inhabitants—hence the perverse hatred for the Sox.
shelteredsoxfan
The Astro’s don’t play in the same division as the White Sox. Perhaps you should check your facts before you post
pinkerton
what does that matter?
bravesfan
Wish the braves could strike a reasonable deal with one of them. I only dream though
acmeants
Hell no!
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
The Cubs should lock up 5 players at the least with the amount haprer and his overrated and talentless agent are asking for.
swanhenge
Hmmm, Cubs playing possum on Harper. Where have I heard that recently?
ChiSoxCity
BREAKING NEWS: Sources inside the administration have leaked the following information—Bryce Harper to sign with the Chicago Cubs for a reported 12-year incentive laden contract worth $380M. The contract is said to contain two opt outs for Harper, one club option at the 6-year mark. Sources say the deal will be officially announced on Dec. 21. In related news, the Chicago White Sox have reported won the services of Manny Machado, shocking the baseball world. Machado has accepted a contract offer worth $350M over 10 years per un-named sources. Details of the contract are still pending, check back for updates.
pinkerton
This is not true and you know it
c1234
If it just happened how do you already know the contract info, yes I know this is a hoax.
ASapsFables
Not a hoax! Just more FAKE NEWS per the twitter link!
ASapsFables
I believe the teams are pushing for December 25th as the release date although I still can’t fathom why the “administration” would want Chicago of all places to have such a Christmas present in the first place. lol
ChiSoxCity
;
acmeants
This announcement must have come from the POTUS. Sounds pretty real.
pinkerton
I still say the best fit for Harper would be the Athletics. I know they don’t have the money or the market to land him, but I just think the two would fit together pretty well.
Telepsychic
If Harper wants a chance to win soon, if he wants to be a bigger celebrity and rub elbows with other big celebrities (non athletes too), if he wants mega endorsement/exposure opps, and if he wants his name attached to a storied francise, there’s LA and NY.
The Dodgers didn’t field a better team this year in order to get out of the luxury tax, even though they were inches close to a ring the year before. They didn’t sign their best post season reliever, Brandon Morrow, Couldn’t sign Darvish but really wanted to. They didn’t field a better bullpen this year because of of the tax.
Remember, they had Chapman in their hands the year before, until the domestic violence allegations. So they knew Jansen wasn’t enough even the year before, yet they didn’t go after a second closer this year. Matt Kemp deal happened too. All because of the tax.
They kinda lost the series because they didn’t upgrade to field a better team. They gambled that their team might be good enough to win this year while staying under the tax cap. Why?
Bryce Harper.
The Dodgers have previously shown some interest in Harper. He fits into their lineup and if they land him, they will finally play some of the chips they’ve been hanging onto for trades. They are rich in outfield talent that can start for other teams.
Anything Scott Boras says is to do two things. Make it seem like there are more teams in play and to have everyone looking at Scott Boras. What he has said so far has to be taken with a grain of salt.
Harper’s best fit is with the Dodgers.
It looks like they’ve been preparing for him to be their first option moving forward. If Harper wants all the things mentioned above, LA’s the place.
walls17
I don’t think it will happen but it would be really cool to see Bryce in a ChiSox uniform. Just imagine the hysteria it would cause
walls17
Bryce Harper on the Yankees could play the role of Bellinger on the Dodgers. Play everywhere in the OF and 1B. Teams love that position versatility
billysbballz
Here’s how Harper to the Yanks could work:
Option 1- trade Stanton to LA (only other location he would accept a trade).
The Dodgers will save money with Stanton over Harper. Dodgers send back either a few lower level decent prospects or maybe Urias whose coming off an injury plagued season and was once regarded as a top pitching prospect. Maybe not Urias but I’m just guessing here. Anyways, Questions arise now if he will be a reliever or starter?
If this were to happen the Yanks sign Harper to replace him of course.
Option 2- Harper agrees to a slight discount to come play first base with the Yanks. Perhaps a 7 year deal with two opt outs of his choice for 40 million per year.
Allot of money but less years and 2 opt outs.
So basically the odds are sooooo against the Yanks making this happen.
Machado just doesn’t work as a SS as he has shown he lacks the defense needed long term and with Didi coming back and Andujar at third I don’t see Machado to the Yanks either.
Unless:
Option 1- trade Andujar for a front line starter and give Machado third! I’m not for this idea but if we deal Andujar and Adams and maybe another prospect for a Kluber maybe that can work! We now have our Ace!
Option 2- move Andujar to left field. Not a fan of this idea at all. We have too many outfielders as is with Gardy, Frazier, and Stanton all in left?
Option 3- move Andujar to first. Once again as a fan it seems like a waste of his arm plus he would not grade well defensively at first either.
Once again I don’t see moving Andujar off third. I can see him working hard and improving. His bat is exciting.
So both scenarios are long shots!
If I had to choose I would let Cashman make these tough decisions and hope I like the finished product!
Where’s Cereal Famine with his insight?
Love hearing from the genius.
c1234
Gosh Machado is such a good player but his ego is just too much, I’m glad the Cards have no interest in him.
daved
Cards would never get him anyway.
jdouble777
Mindless running of mouths to create fluff period of free agency because our lives are that sad… Was really looking forward to this and could not be happier it has arrived.
socalbum
How soon will Boras start screaming COLLUSION? Right after the Winter Meetings is my guess.
frankthetank1985
It’s amazing how greedy a franchises fan base can get. I love how even after the yankee culture has somewhat shifted, fans still EXPECT to always land the top most expensive guys. As a mets fan, I hope you get one of these two, and I hope it financially straps you again like the days of arod and Giambi etc, because you will be over the tax, to make roster room have to trade away true young cheap talent and watch them succeed somewhere else, and still lose because you still won’t have any starting pitching!!! Fans be smart, realize that you already have baseballs best offense, and focus on pitching! Corbin looks good, happ is decent for a 3 starter, trades are out there to be had, pitching is the last thing the Yankees need to enthrall them into another dynasty. Pitching not another bat.
billysbballz
I disagree and as a met fan you should be demanding your owners go and sign Machado and Miller and pay them
frankthetank1985
No I do t actually want the Mets to be strapped on one player whose heart isn’t fully into it. We already have cespedes. And don’t get me wrong. I wanted to sign him, and glad we did. Just hasn’t worked out. But back to ur comment, I want mets to get a professional catcher and M G for depth across the roster and then load up on the proven consistent bullpen. Would rather that with our pitching staff and ok hitting than one machado.
ChiSoxCity
Don’t waste your time—Bankees fans are spoiled, entitled, nonsensical people. They barely understand the game. They’ll pine for every elite player in the game, and throw them under a bus months after they’re signed. Many of their fans want to trade Stanton already. They’re absurd.
xabial
“BREAKING NEWS: Sources inside the administration have leaked the following information—Bryce Harper to sign with the Chicago Cubs for a reported 12-year incentive laden contract worth $380M.”
You know more about nonsensical posts. Ur a hypocrite
Slevin
ok, here I am again agreeing with you. White Sox fans are even more nonsensical than Mets fans. They live and die by every move the Cubs make, instead of their own teams. The White Sox are the red headed step child of the Midwest.
ChiSoxCity
What is nonsensical about Harper/Machado signing with either Chicago team? It’s a huge market with millions of sports fans. And Slevin, most TRUE sports fans from Chicago follow ALL local teams. Only the casual and non-sports fans are provincial here.
Slevin
The Cubs for their financial burdens. The White Sox because that’s fantasyland. Oh and if “Most TRUE sports fans from Chicago follow ALL local teams”, why do so many root for Notre Dame and not Northwestern?
ChiSoxCity
What financial burdens?
In regards to Notre Dame vs. NU, where do I begin? ND has an historic football program with a rich tradition and national prominence. NU is an ivy-esque school with a tiny enrollment (that is not local). NU is known for it’s academics, not sports. It should also be noted that NU is, historically, among the worst sports programs in Division I. That is, in part, a consequence of extremely high admission standards, and point shaving scandalous in the past. ND has taken a considerable thumping in football the last 30 years, but it still gets top 10 recruiting classes. NU has been respectable since Gary Barnett took them to a Big-Ten championship in the mid-90s. In any event, most To be Chicagoans, as with most large cities, don’t really follow collegiate sports to begin with. I get what you’re trying to say, but I don’t see the relevance to your point.
Grebek7
Location, location, location Slevin. Sox park is 2 blocks from the projects. Wrigley is in a nice touristy part of city. That’s it. Redheaded stepchild of Midwest? Have you only been alive for the last 5 years? Cubbies were the urinal puck of MLB for 108 yrs until 2016. Cubs have fans all over b/c of Wgn Superstation. Broadcasting that pathetic brand of offense-less baseball should be free to watch. Their owners did nothin for the team for 80+ yrs to even field a winner. They’ll be back to baseball’s urinal puck once again in less than 3 yrs
xabial
Clowns like you make White Sox fans look bad
ChiSoxCity
Ok, doesn’t change anything I said about Bankees fans. You guys are ridiculous and ignorant to boot.
JR K.
Not that interesting that the Cardinals are not interested in Machado, they know their fanbase would not support that.
terry g
I predict daily articles on Manny and Bryce until the end of January.
frankf
If the White Sox did manage to sign both Harper and Machado, along with Abreu, Eloy (if big league ready) and Moncada (assuming he adjusts to the big leagues,) as well as their young pitching, they could be something wicked.
ChiSoxCity
Yeah, would be sick. They’d easily win the AL Central, and be a strong contender to win it all in 2020.
bad bruce
That’s still the worst lineup in baseball.
daved
Cardinals fans and media are idiots. They buy into this b.s. from Mozeliak and Dewitt every year like they’re going to acquire some top notch FA. They bought in last year on Stanton, even though Stanton told them from day 1 he wasn’t coming to STL. These fans are a bunch of sheeple. They follow and suck up whatever is told to them. And the media is worse. Especially the kiss azzes on the shi–y sports radio stations in town. God awful!
mpkrieger1
So the Cubs are out. The Yankees are out. The Dodger’s don’t appear to be adding too much to their payroll so they are out. The Red Sox have shown zero interest. Seems to me like that is the four biggest budgets in baseball. Two of his past three years his OPS has been less than .900. Not saying that isn’t good, but it is comparable to players like Brandon Nimmo, Jesus Aguilar, Eugenio Suzrez, Xander Bogaerts, and Khris Davis. Those are good players, but no one would give them the type of money that Harper is looking for. I think Harper/Boras might be surprised that the market doesn’t bear anything close to 12/400+ for him. I think that the National’s reported offer of 10/300 will look pretty good in about a month.
As a Cubs fan, I don’t want anything to do with paying this guy $30M+ for the next 10 years.
Slevin
Yea, since you already have those two anchor contracts in Darvish, and Heyward.
mpkrieger1
That is part of it, but their future commitments, if they want to keep some part of Baez/Rizzo/Bryant/Contreras/Hendricks together, are pretty significant.
Regardless of their situation, it just doesn’t seem like there are a ton of teams with the desire/ability to pay $30+M for Harper. Not to say that a team like the Giants or White Sox won’t, but it will be hard to start too much of a bidding war without the Red Sox, Cubs, Yankees, or Dodgers partaking. There are a ton of middle of the road free agents that teams will get good value/production out of without getting wrapped up in a 10+ year commitment.
Slevin
I am watching Intentional Talk and they actually said it is being reported that “Kris Bryant could be available”…talk about BS.
mpkrieger1
Ya – If you actually read Theo’s comment he made, he didn’t say he was available at all. They took something small and are running way too far with it.
ChiSoxCity
Hmm… Bryant’s shown zero interest in signing a longterm extension, and he doesn’t seem to be thrilled with the idea of playing outfield with the Cubs. Plus, he and Boras are still miffed at the Cubs not promoting him from the minors to milk his contract. He might want out of Chicago. I hope not, but you know how fickle professional athletes can be sometimes.
ChiSoxCity
The Cubs are paying Jason Heyward $23M annually. As I recall, most Cubs fans were pumped when they signed him, which embarrassing.
If I had a chance to get Harper for an extra $7M annually to add offense and platoon Heyward, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
mpkrieger1
OK – but they would have to move Heyward, which I don’t see anyone taking him unless the Cubs pick up about $15M annually.
They have 5 more years on that contract. If they could find someone to take him and still pay $15M of it, I would do that in a heartbeat. Even if they don’t sign anyone else, an outfield of Happ/Almora/Schwarber is better than Heyward/Almora/Schwarber. They could take the $8M saved and add another $3-4M to it and get someone with more production than Happ as well.
This isn’t happening so might as well not discuss it.
ChiSoxCity
Why is everyone so concerned about the Cubs’ budget? They clearly have the money to sign who they want. They also have money coming off the books after 2019. I just don’t think Epstein is ready to move on from cheap options like Schwarber, Happ, and Almora.
JKB 2
Exactly
Wildboyz
Harper to SF
Machado to Miami
Slevin
Corbin-Happ to Rays
mistry gm
Never happen, Miami would be sorry for ever.
AllRiseForTheJudge
Anyone who believes the Yankees are truly not interested in Bryce Harper is delusional. They do this every year, say they’re not going to be involved with big names or make any big moves, and then they pull off something that somehow catches everyone by surprise.
Like last year when they weren’t interested in Stanton, and then fleeced Jeter. Somehow the media hasn’t figured this out after two decades of Brian Cashman saying he’s “not interested” and then getting the exact player he wasn’t talking to….
Slevin
Sweeny Murti said almost the exact same thing this morning on Hot Stove.
JKB 2
So besides Stanton who are the 5 players for example the Yankees surprised and got the past 5 years
TooToughToScuffle
Machado to Yankees more likely than Harper. The Nationals should go all out to keep the face of their franchise. Public relations disaster.
johnsonjack87
How Well Will My New York Yankees Do In 2019,If They Look Like This?:
Batting Lineup (When Everyone Is Healthy)
1. LF Brett Gardner
2. RF Aaron Judge
3. 3B Manny Machado
4. DH Giancarlo Stanton
5. CF Bryce Harper
6. C Gary Sanchez
7. SS Adeiny Hechavarria
8. 2B Gleyber Torres
9. 1B Luke Voit
Bench (When Everyone Is Healthy)
Nick Hundley
Greg Bird
Ronald Torreyes
Aaron Hicks
Starting Rotation (When Everyone Is Healthy)
1. Patrick Corbin
2. Luis Severino
3. J.A. Happ
4. Masahiro Tanaka
5. C.C. Sabathia
Bullpen (When Everyone Is Healthy)
Sonny Gray
Chad Green
Justin Wilson
Tommy Kahnle
Dellin Betances
David Robertson
Aroldis Chapman
wrigleywannabe
But, but, but I thought Bryant’s friendship assured he was going to join Heyward$$$$$, Happ, Almora, Schwarber and Zobrist in the Chicagi OF.