The Phillies have put forth an offer to free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper that would guarantee him more than $300MM, reports MLB Network’s Jon Heyman (via Twitter). That would indicate a willingness to top Manny Machado’s record-setting $300MM free-agent deal with the Padres. It’s not clear if Philadelphia’s offer is also greater than Giancarlo Stanton’s overall record $325MM contract.
Heyman suggests that there’s at least one other club that has expressed a willingness to top $300MM to sign Harper, which would be a surprising new development at this stage in his free agency. While the Nationals offered Harper an extremely deferred $300MM back in late September, there have been no recent indications that any of the remaining Harper suitors would come close to that mark
As of yesterday, the Dodgers and Giants were said to be the only two teams still in the mix for Harper, and both were said to be pursuing him on shorter-term contracts with sizable average annual values. The presence of another $300MM+ offer, if accurate, would represent a considerable change of heart for either of those California-based clubs (or the presence of another team involved in the bidding). Joel Sherman of the New York Post explored the situation yesterday, noting that the Dodgers appear willing to offer Harper a record-setting annual value — “at least $35 million a year, perhaps closer to $40 million” — but only over four or, at absolute most, five years. Sherman writes that he spoke to one person involved who “insisted not to undersell the Giants,” as well.
Over the weekend, the Phillies were optimistic of completing a 10-year deal with Harper by yesterday — an outcome that clearly didn’t happen and was likely impacted by the Dodgers’ Sunday-evening meeting with Harper in Las Vegas. Harper still expects to finally make his decision this week, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, bringing to an end an exhausting saga and likely resulting in at least one type of contractual record.
Now that is stupid money.
I just hope he signs already
I do too. Im disgusted with my self on how much time ive wasted thinking and checking on this. I shouldnt care about this. Im not even a fan of his.
omg I’m so sick of Bryce Harper.
Cry me a River
What if Jeter and the Marlins offered him 51% ownership of the Franchise for 14 years service? Would he take it?
They paid $1.2 Billion for the Team, and they are going to make it a “more profitable team”….so that 51% is worth WAY more than what he wants for a salary.
That would assume that the team retains its value, though
Im not a fan of harper but the who get him will have an impact w fans and the team
Yeah he should definitely sign with the marlins. That way they can trade him to the yankees next year and get nothing in return.
Lol.. I know right… it’s almost like knowing who won LOTTO, but we’re just fixated on when they are going to pick up their check..it makes no sense.. but here I am.
I think every one is sick of Mr Harper…. wonder if he hits .230 again this year?
I hear ya. I check my phone every ten minutes for updates. The money’s crazy, and so’s this whole freakin’ soap opera.
No
It’s not too late for these teams to realize that Harper just isn’t all that great.
Lmao
Correct. The idea of Bryce Harper is far greater than Bryce Harper the player, but inevitably these teams convince themselves he’s far more valuable that he ever could be, so they back up the Brinks truck and establish an albatross contract. When it becomes obvious to most fans that he’s wildly overpaid while underperforming, the apologists surface to counter that with the old “sunken cost” argument and how Harper’s mammoth salary has nothing to do with the fact that a beer costs $15 at most parks. We can just dispense with all that nonsense up front and get on with reality.
Beers are 15 dollars now and they don’t have Harper. Shouldn’t have costs at CPB been extremely cheap the past few years? They had the 24th payroll in baseball last year and that’s with the addition of arrieta and Santana or it would have been maybe the lowest. You’re understanding of cause and effect as it pertains to ticket prices is ridiculous. They’re going to charge what they charge… His money doesn’t make that sky rocket, same goes for why it doesn’t go down when they’re being cheap and not signing players.
30 mil a year is crazy, but I’ve never seen so many people have feelings for the owners… Hint… They’re not losing money on their investment in the team
You make an excellent distinction between the idea of Harper and the player on the field, Solaris602. And coming back to reality will likely be painful for whoever signs him.
beer is sold at 15$ because people are buying them at $15 its nothing to do with players salaries…if you want beer prices to drop then convince people to boycott buying beer for 15$…
As a Mets fan, I hope not. I look forward to them paying him $30+ million a season for someone with as many ups and downs as Harper. He’s nowhere near the best player in the game, but he’s about to be paid like he is.
Exactly. As a fellow met fan, I’m begging the Phillies to get Harper for a third of a billion. Meanwhile, hometown hero Trout’s contract is up next year and they could easily have him at that price if they hold out.
You nailed it. Machado’s the better player.
And, does Boras pay Heyman for this kind of PR?
That said, with the Arenado news, Boras now surely wants at least that 10/$350 if not more, right?
ummmmmmm NO. Machado is the more CONSISTENT player. Harper is the better player. How many 10.0 WAR seasons does Manny have? How many 1.000+ OPS seasons? You got it. NONE.
Ignoring the ROY and MVP award….and the fact that he comps (thru age 25) with the likes of Griffey jr, Andruw Jones, Frank Robinson and others of note all while considering the MASSIVE attention and pressure that follows a player of his stature HOW do you reach that conclusion??
No one is saying Harper isn’t a flawed player (name one guy who EVER played who isn’t on some level) but clearly one doesn’t require much baseball acumen to post in the comments section of MLBTradeRumors.
At worst?? Harper looks to be a Justin Upton kind of guy
At best?? A Griffey jr/Andruw guy
What’s that worth?? Well, who the heck cares!?!?!?! Find some joy in life AND in the fact that the best sport in the world (flawed as it may be) is just around the corner. So put a skip in your step and a song in your heart and get ready to watch some baseball!!!
Agree on a lot of your points. Disagree on others. Defensively, Griffey and Jones are two of the best center fielders to ever play the game. Harper is a great player and my guess is that he is ahead of where Andruw Jones was at that age offensively, but the trending downward defense would prevent me from even mentioning him as being as good an all-around player as Griffey.
Uh, by noting that even if you throw out his worst year, Harper still had two sub-2 WAR seasons? That’s simple enough. And demonstrates plenty of acumen. If you throw out his worst and best years, and do the same for Stanton, Harper is more than half a WAR point per season behind Stanton. It’s very fair to ask if that 10-WAR season isn’t a fluke, or at least half a fluke. It’s also very far to point out that he was -3.2 on dWAR last year. And that for his career before that, he was just “even” on dWAR.
Let’s go by your own comment. Assume he is, if not Justin Upton, that he’s no more than one notch above him. You gonna pay that guy $325M?
Yes, I agree with a lot of your points as well (your optimism at the end, in particular), but I agree with Wolverines that Jones and Griffey had defensive skills that Harper can’t touch. Harper had -26 defensive runs saved last year.
I agree with his sky-high offensive potential. He has more offensive upside than any player in the league not named Trout, I believe. How do you reconcile the negative defensive marks? Clearly, they don’t matter as much if he is putting up offensive numbers similar to his MVP year, but he hasn’t done that consistently. What will his defense look like at age 31? Maybe a shift to 1st could help mitigate the decline, I suppose (or an eventual NL DH).
Oh, I totally agree that his D is not Griffey-esque.
And Gadfly, you can throw out all the WAR stuff you want…but his 162 game average means something. WAR is NOT the end all be all…it’s just another marker in a sport FULL of statistical measuring options.
The one thing everyone is overlooking in their numbers of Harper going forwards is this, if he plays in Philly with the short porch, he’s gonna hit for a lot more Home Runs, get more RBIs and, in all probability, he will see alot more walks, all leading to a higher OPS, if he plays in say, San Fran, not so much!!
Great point. It’s the only negative if him going to Philly, if one isn’t a Philly fan.
True, McBride. All of your points are spot on. But for us Phils fans, we still have a horrific taste in our mouth from the Ruben Amaro era when he hamstrung us with Ryan Howard in a long term contract that saw him contribute virtually nothing in the last 2-3 years at $24 million per year. Would I love to see Harper play for us—absolutely but based on what I saw in Clearwater yesterday (and that is just a small data point in a meaningless game against a mediocre Tiger squad), the off season acquisitions of McCutcheon, Segura, and Realmuto appears to be a strong offensive nucleus. With Hoskins at 1st base and a definite HR threat at CBP, Franco looking trim and fit after losing 20 lbs, maybe the Phils should look for another starter to round out that rotation with a marquis arm and save their money for the Mike Trout derby instead of rolling the dice on “hopefully Harper makes it 10 years”.
Maybe, except that the ballpark in SF was literally built to feature the exceptional power skills of a left handed batter of Harper’s supposed caliber
Granted, Barry had some help, but the record for home runs was set by a player with SF as their home park…
If harper’s the second coming of babe Ruth he’d be fine, but I agree that an average season would look much more average in SF
@halfbakedmcbride
“No one is saying Harper isn’t a flawed player (name one guy who EVER played who isn’t on some level)”
Until his decline starts, Mike Trout.
Go ahead, try to prove me wrong.
Well Trout does have a bit of an injury history…
Mike Trout isn’t flawed
Hank Aaron wasn’t flawed
Kris Bryant doesn’t appear flawed
Don’t see the flaws on Arendo either.
it’s also fair to point out that Stantons contract was an overpay by an owner looking for a free stadium.
he was never worth 325 to any team for baseball.
Harper is an amazing DH in an era where left handed hitters may need a rule chage to compete with the bat.
-3.2 dWAR because he was playing injured for over 100 games. I’d be willing to put a lot of money on him having a better defensive season in 2019.
How many 10.0 WAR or 1.000+ OPS seasons did Upton have by age 25? Exactly. Go drink your haterade and try again.
Bryant missed a big chunk of last season, 60 games, and his OPS was 60 points lower than Harper’s. Flaw.
Arenado’s home/road splits are extreme. Flaw.
Trout’s flaw is that he is too perfect LOL.
and he was playing CF much of the season, not RF.
No, he doesn’t. Trout had a thumb injury from sliding head-first into the bag, but no chronic injuries.
“A lot more homeruns in Philly…”? He will now be facing Sherzer, Strasbourg, Corbin along with deGrom, Syndergaard, Wheeler and their bullpens. He will face at least one lefty per game late. He might have 2 at bats per game to make a difference. Assuming (that’s a big one, too) that he plays 150 games, that’s 300 plate appearances to do something. He is going to walk 100 times and K 100 times. That leaves 100 at bats. If he hits .275, he gets to make a difference 28 times. Whew, there you have it, 30 million dollars for about 30 at bats. Philadelphia fans will eat him up. Spring training has started and he still hasn’t signed. I think it’s obvious what his priority is: $$$$$. He could have signed a huge contract months ago and be set for life, his kids’ lives, his grand children and maybe even their kids.
I like Harper more than Machado, but yeah I don’t think either one of them are worth that kind of money. No I’m not doing that whole jealousy rant that police officers and firefighters make peanuts compared to these guys, I’m just saying that having seen these contracts RARELY work out I’d take my chances on someone else.
>> “Now that is stupid money.”
… Yet, still not as stupid as saying you’re going to spend stupid.
I think it makes Harper look like an a-hole. He’s had months and has received really great offers. Spring training is in full swing and he still hasn’t decided where he wants to play baseball. What a joke.
last year giants tryed trade for stanton didnt come here and now he regrets his stupid desision. this year the giants bid for harper and he bettor make the best desision cuz he wont have nother chance to be on grate san fran team and protect by grate hitters like belt posey and longo
Every day Steve Adams is posting on MLBTR is a good day for America.
Steve Adams is a good guy.
Steve is going to file a restraining order against you soon. I believe he’s married, or at least not into dudes.
Why does being the Captain of the Steve Adams Fan Club have to do with being into dudes?
Is he even cute or have any special talents like juggling or being able to breath with his mouth full?
His gifts for astute baseball analysis and dedication trade rumor coverage will unite all peoples.
I’m willing to bet it is at least 326 million. Cuz egos.
325.01 million
Lol! Boras and Bryce playing price is right.
bats,
or How many hundreds of millions behind door #1, door
#2 or door #3??
>> “Boras and Bryce playing price is right.”
Hybrid game with Truth or Dare.
Also elements of The Match Game.
Bryce’s career could be in Jeopardy, To Tell the Truth.
So, Let’s Make a Deal already!
The Bryce is Right
And Trout will crush that amount in 2 years.
Rightfully so. In Harper’s case, as well as Machado’s, im so tired of hearing that they’re also being paid for their “potential”. At least Mike Trout will be getting paid for what he’s proven and can continue to do.
You mean the ACTUAL generational talent ?
If Trout doesn’t, then theres some serious behind the scenes diplomacy going on that needs to be brought to light. Maybe its collusion with the Russians, or something that involves the Kennedy assassination. Hopefully it doesnt lead to a team throwing the World Series…
lmao
It’s a Bonilla contract for $1/year until he’s 350yo.
Phillies are bidding against themselves. If reports are true that giants and Dodgers dont want a lengthy commitment then Phillies are in the driver’s seat if theyre willing to go 10 years.
I think they have been bidding against themselves for awhile.
Heyman is Scott Boras’ mouthpiece and everything is to get more guaranteed money from the Phillies.
And their losing
Phillies are smart enough to ignore anything Jon Heyman reports.
they’re
You gotta wonder if certain agents pay certain writers to put out a favorable narrative.
There’s no reason to. A mega-agent like Boras has no problem finding journalists to be his puppet, paying them with the occasional tip or rumor. It raises Heyman’s profile and helps his career.
If he hot greedy and wanted money, Boras would find another in five minutes.
Exactly
You have to wonder what the Giants actually offered before you can say that they were only interested in a short term deal. No one knows exactly what they have offered by any report. The Giants office haven’t spoke on it like the Dodgers apparently. Not saying they are or will be the one that offered the other 300 million, but I think it’s definitely fair to say they could be that team that made that offer. Be surprised is they did.
I thought he signed last Monday and the Friday before that?
According to 94WIP’s Angelo Cataldi, the holdup with the Phillies is that Boras is insisting on an opt-out clause after year 3. At this point, the Phillies are saying no opt-out clause.
Phillies should counter with an opt out after year 6.
Cataldi is the leak for the Philllies. Main sports host for the Phillies radio broadcast station. I would believe him over any garbage Jon Heyman reports. According to Cataldi if Phillies cave on agreeing to 3rd year OPT-out, the deal is done. Which suggests there is no other team with long term contract.
That’s the article I read too.
If that’s really Boras’ & Harper’s plan, why not take the Dodgers’ or Giants’ deal with a $40M AAV? If you’re betting on yourself to get a better deal around age 30, why not take the higher AAV now and stay closer to home? I understand wanting the security of knowing you have something, but it still seems like the West coast deals would be better for him personally.
Because Phillie comes with a 10-year guarantee, and the West coast maybe four.
How can he possibly get a “better” deal in 3 or 4 years? He has played a full season 3 times in 7 years and due for another injury shortened campaign. If his new team gets 130 games out of him, that means they are paying him to miss 20% if it’s games! These damn guaranteed contracts are killing the game. Load him up with enough incentives to make 50 million a year on a base 20 million/yr contract and let him go earn it.
So much for Cataldi being right about the opt-out ordeal
Cataldi is a moron who makes things up to sound like he’s in the know. Lying about Harper is just example #3000. But lemme guess you’re gonna keep listening.
Cataldi is garbage. He is wrong more often than he is right, and literally makes stuff up just to get people to call into his show.
Cataldi is a piece-of-work no doubt but he wasnt B.S. ing about this. He had details only someone high up in Phils organization would know. He knows people. This is Legit..
He had details that anyone could make up. It does not mean they are legit. I could also say that Harper and Boras are holding out for an opt-out at year 3 and for the Phillies to bring the Schmitter back to the CBP. Does not make it true. Just like it doesn’t make it true when Cataldi says it. But he has an awful radio show, so it must be true.
Suuuuuuuuch an awful show. He is half the reason Philly fans are by far the most pathetic in the nation. He was the spirit behind booing McNabb when he got drafted, all because they wanted Ricky Williams, the latter being a top 10 bust, the former the greatest Eagle QB of all time. That morning show is a disaster. I landed up there for some business just when the Sixers made their trades and the Phils landed Realmuto. Horrible.
It is just complaint after complaint. He is only happy when his pessimistic opinions end up being true. Truly awful.
Mcnabb sucked. He cost the Birds a chance at a couple Super Bowls. Held some good defensive teams back and blamed it on others. By the way love the hate for Philly…feeds the passion baby
“Passion,” i.e., what those who look at Philly losers call “stupidity.” Keep epitomizing “social norm theory.” And thanks for calling out McNabb 🙂 :). 5 championship game appearances and a Super Bowl Appearance. Aaaaaand again, your best QB ever, but like every other Philthadelphia star, you clowns have no respect. Greatest standup ever was Bill Burr annihilating you all for how racist and stupid Philthy Phans are.
Honestly, if I were the Phillies, I’d just give him the opt out after year 3. IF he opted out and felt like he could again cash out a big payday, as long as they set it up with evenly distributed pay, than they got him on a cheaper AAV than what teams trying to offer him shorter deals are likely offering him.
If the Dodgers really want him, offer him an opt out after year 2. So 200/5 years, opt out after 2.
Of course, I’m not a fan of him at all, so I’d say give him an opt out every 3 years of his contract and hope he takes one. Hah
Why not give Harper the opt-out at two years? If he leaves that means more dollars for the player the Phillies and their fans would really want…Mike Trout!
love that idea
He wants the opt out after year 3 so Trout can set a new comp and he can try to beat it again. There’s no guarantee Trout will have a new deal in place before the 2-year mark.
Give him an opt out after 3, but back load the contract so the first three years are at 15 MM, 18 MM & 21 MM with bigger paydays after the opt out. Let him choke on that..
That would be a great move to spite him, but a disaster for the organization when he doesn’t opt out. I think they’d prefer to avoid that.
Give him the year three opt-out, and demand a year five TEAM opt-out.
Phillies bid against themselves and won!
How phillies of them!
Did they?
Phillies havent won a bidding war for someone good since Papelbon
Phillies – give him a 48 hour window and move on already. This is so unfair to your current team
This isn’t poker, you dont bluff if you are serious about adding a talent like him. If you were patient enough to go this far, why wouldn’t you allow more time for a guy you want for a decade?
Except they wouldn’t be bluffing in this situation. Bluffing would be if they threatened to move on but didn’t follow through and signed him.
I’m not certain they want him. They really want their hometown boy, Trout, in two years.
There is no reason for that. Philly isn’t waiting to jump on some other FA acquisition and there is no critical time element to get this one done.
What is he waiting for if the Phillies made the offer for well more than 300MM? Perhaps don’t want to play in Philly? Or the Phillies are biding against themselves?.
He doesn’t want to commit to being in Philly for 10 years. Hard to blame him there.
Why do you say that?
At the beginning of free agency, Boras compared him with Lebron. He wants Harper in LA, too. Philly ain’t exactly the same now, is it?
But Why do you think Philly would be a bad place to commit to?
depends on what you are looking for really
Trashiest loser fans in all of sports. Trashiest media personalities. Period. “We’re passionate.” – Philly Phans. No, you’re stupid.
Maybe because they booed Santa Claus there? Pretty nasty fan base overall. Probably not the best place to live, either. I’m not exactly saying anything you don’t know here, am I?
Dodger and Giant fans kill each other…literally.
Philthadelphia phans purposely puke on police officers at a game with their kids. Oh yeah, how about that NYPD cop in a Ranger Jersey in front of T Luc’s?
it has nothing to do with being in philly. that is just boras bs to drive up the price. the real reason he wants an opt out is we all know the shares are going to favor the players more with the next union negotiation. He doesnt want to be locked in and will want to try this all over again for 400 million. Doesn’t matter where he plays that’s going to be the case. They want to have their cake and eat it too. guaranteed 300 million now with a chance to gamble on the 400 million again in a few years if they choose
Nope. Philly has horrible fans. Horrible city.
This hot take aged well.
The 300 million is fine. Phillies get the deal done or just move on to others free agents like Kimbrel and Keuchel. Hopefully he is sign by the Phillies today or tomorrow. I would like to see Craig Kimbrel with the Phillies as well.
how many years are you giving Kimbrel? don’t see many phils fans itching to sign him.
I want no part of Kimbrel AND the contract he wants. I would take Kimbrel, but not at that money.
He does not really add that much incremental value to an already deep bullpen. It would be foolish to pay that much money for 61 IP per year (Kimbrel’s avg the last 4).
If they are going to spend money, spend it on a starter. I favor Gio over Keuchel, mostly because I think it would be more value – Keuchel’s projected performance is not worth the millions more he wants beyond what Gio will probably get – even just based on the MLBTR predictor. Gio has been better the last three years in terms of IP, has bested his rWAR and they have virtually identical fWAR the last 3 seasons.
Keuchel is 2 years and some change younger.
It seems Keuchel wants to get paid like his CYA year was the norm, but it’s not. If he would agree to the MLBTR projection I’d sign him in a second, but he reportedly wants a far higher AAV and more years.
It’s why he’s still unsigned.
I wouldn’t exactly call the Phillies bullpen deep. They don’t even have the best bullpen in that division
Who has a better pen in that division? The Mets setup man and closer are great, but there’s not much depth besides that. I think the Phillies have the best pen overall.
Von – he’s an AL fan that has no familiarity with the Phillies team or it’s bullpen. That’s all.
Robertson, Seranthony and [2nd half 2018] Neris have the chance to be the best back end of a bullpen in MLB.
There are other good bullpens with good depth also, but I like the Phillies chances if they get to the 6th inning with a lead.
Yp88 – the question revolves around whether you think Kimbrel will add the value of that contract to a bullpen pitching only 61 innings per year.
Don’t dismiss what he said because he’s an AL fan when you’re being a huge homer yourself.
Best back end of the bullpen in the MLB? Likely not true even if Yankees didn’t exist. I would easily take the Brewers top 3 over the Phillies and the Mets back end is similar to the Phillies as well.
Kimbrel Not worth the money? This man has averaged an era+ over 200 for most of his career and is 1 year older than chapman and kenley when they got there huge deals. Arguably he is better than both and just won a chip in the process. Need to stay off the drugs.
Ok – then why haven’t the Dodgers signed him for that much money?
Besides, ERA+ is only part of the equation.
One, it describes what he did in the past.
Two, as I mentioned (and you purposely ignored) he’s only on the field for ~60 innings per season.
If you want to pay a guy THAT much money to pitch that little, and you think he’s worth it – go right ahead.
But your argument makes little sense because you are singling him out when he is just trying to get paid what the market is and was. Especially someone who averages 40 saves
Yeah, Phillies. Why can’t you throw $400+ million at two players faster? francys08 is getting impatient.
Phils don’t need another closer. They have 3 now
If Phillies failed to sign him then he would be forced to take a shorter deal, I don’t believe for a minute there is another team out there offering him 10 years $300+ as well.
Is this news? I thought this was already known even before Machado signed his $300M deal?
“Is this news? I thought this was already known even before Machado signed his $300M deal?”
It’s not news… it’s rumor. Just like the rumor Harper would be signed by Monday… now sometime this week. And that it’s between the Giants, Phillies and Dodgers… all rumor.
Harper has more meaning to Philly due to the previous rivalry with WAS.
I think it’s foolish to spend that level of money but Philly is a great baseball town that loves to win so it certainly looks like they will be a serious contender in 2019 if they land Harper. And I’m happy for the fans.
it’s also that they have made other moves predicated on signing Harper and Machado, so hard to turn back now, even if you get over 320 to make Boras feel satisified, though if you offer that he’ll keep asking for more.
Don’t NEED Harper to contend in the NL East. Stupid money; even more stupid of a decision.
No, it’s not. And no, they’re not. Harper doesn’t want to sign there because he doesn’t want to go there. Full stop.
Can you read his mind?
According to Cataldi if the Phillies give in on the opt out after 3 years Harper would already be signed. Harper only wants to commit himself to a 3 year deal with the team committed to 10 years. (Marie Antionette anyone?)
That is not a good tradeoff.
Basically, Harper wants to do the same thing ARod did and finagle another, bigger contract.
If I’m Middleton I stick to my guns – if you want a record contract – no opt out – at least that early in the deal. I would tell Harper if he wants an opt out after 3 years I wouldn’t even guarantee 300MM. Manny’s opt out is after 5 years, which is reasonable.
Rukidding is correct, the Phillies do not need Harper to contend, and there will be talent at the deadline that they can add if needed – there always is.
Let Harper go to the Dodgers or Giants if he wants the bennies of a short term deal.
Marie Antoinette? What does “Let them eat cake” have to do with anything? If you think she’s the source of the old saying “have your cake and eat it too”, she’s not.
For a statisical standpoint i think the 40 million by 5 from the dodgers with an opt out after 2 makes the most sense if they want to maximize the return. 200 million for 5 or 300 million for 10? Harper isnt going to retire after 5 years and if he produces at his mvp level and wins a ring in la his value will only go up. Resonable after 4/5 years that he could re-enter at 30-31 and still secure 150 million over another 4/5 years with a contender.
I guess you told me. Golly gee wiz, don’t pucker your a** so much and have a sense of humor.
1.4 WAR last year….
High ceiling. He has a top-ten WAR over the last seven seasons, largely on the strength of that all-star 2015 season. You have to look beyond one season, especially if the player is only 26.
A high ceiling he’s reached only once in 7 seasons.
Therefore, doesn’t that track record say it’s likely he only reaches it once in the next 7, particularly since aging charts say he’s at his peak and will be declining the last 3 seasons of the next 7?
If he only repeats his track record (he’s averaged 2.9 fWAR and 3.6 rWAR in the other 6 seasons and only reached 5 rWAR one other time (he has never reached 5 fWAR more than once)) he wants record money for being a very good but not great player most of the time.
I wouldn’t cave in to the guys demands. Either he wants to sign with the Phillies for at least 5 years or he doesn’t. No opt out before 5.
Okay, 3 of the last 5 years, war under 2
St. Paul’s Cathedral has a high ceiling.
“He has a top-ten WAR over the last seven seasons, largely on the strength of that all-star 2015 season. You have to look beyond one season,”
You’re sort of contradicting yourself here.
You know that he has not even reached his prime yet, right? He is almost guaranteed to have a better year than 2015 in the next 5 years.
Boras.is.life, now you are just being silly. Nothing is “almost guaranteed” in life or baseball.
Please demonstrate to me with evidence how he has not reached his prime, when aging charts – even for phenoms – indicated he has either peaked or plateaued.
vivaelbirdos.com/2018/11/20/18089734/how-do-prodig…
beyondtheboxscore.com/2015/5/27/8657581/aging-curv…
Now, I just posted links to data that indicate Harper – even as a phenom – has likely reached his peak and will plateau for a couple of years, and then decline like every other player.
I await your response backed by evidence – not opinion.
How dare they insult Bryce with such a low offer !! Over $300 million to play a game ? I’d be insulted too.
That’s funny. Good post. 🙂
3 dollars. take it or leave it
If true, I expect Harper to be a Philly by the end of the week.
Unless the Giants are willing to top this. Don’t see the Dodgers doing it.
Padres and Nats possible wildcards, but Heyman has lost all credibility.
Does Heyman work for Boras? Cmon, no one is going over $300m besides Philly.
yes, there is no substance to support the claim.
He absolutely works for Boros.
You are a special kind of dense arent you? The Nationals made TWO offers of $300 million or more.
300,000,000.25 I’m calling it!
It’s simply not going to get it done. It will be a record in years (11+) and dollars ($326+)
Why do you think that Mack? If no one else is in it, why do you think 326+?
I’m not disagreeing with you. Just curious to hear your thoughts.
$300,000,016.79
$325,000,003.1415926
Come on, anyone but the Phillies. I want to see the streets of Philadelphia run with blood & tears as Phillies fans rampage! Metaphorically, of course.
The Phillies are becoming the creepy guy who got rejected by the hot girl in school and can’t move on and continually stalks them. Hey Phillies no means no
Phillies are in negotiations and have been for the past couple months. If their is any creep factort in all of this its Boras. and his puppet Heyman
No, it’s the Phillies. Take a hint. No major free agent really wants to sign there. Not now, not ever. Philadelphia will only ever get those with no other options, or those they wildly overbid for in order to overcome the “Philly Factor.” For Harper, 10/$300M+ just isn’t enough to make him want to play in Philadelphia. Only if LA and SF really make crappy final offers will Harper RELUCTANTLY agree to suffer through years in that city.
And you know all this how exactly? Do you email back and forth with him daily?
Wow, you sure knew what you were talking about, eh?
They’re Reggie from Archie Comics.
I know the ‘hot girl in school’ you speak of.
She was voted ‘Miss Lincoln’, because every guy in the school took a shot at her in the balcony.
If he was smart and very compassionate about the game. he would go where he’s the happiest and play with the heart. Unfortunately he’s listening to his agent. I would not want to be stuck in Philadelphia for 10 years. He needs to pick a short term deal and play on the West Coast where he wants to be.
Harper would be privileged to play in Philly. Philly is one of the best cities in the USA, hitters ball park, passionate fan base.. he may prefer the West but he wouldnt be stuck in Philly. Cole Hamels who was raised in SD and has not played in Philly for 4 years settled his family in Philly.. . .
Philadelphia is a nice city to visit. I’ve been in Philadelphia and it is a great town. they have a lot of museums there’s so much history in Philadelphia. the food is good. But the bottom line is the crime is bad and the weather is even worse. At least on the West Coast the weather is decent. Yeah the crime is just as bad as Philly if not worse. And you have your choice of whatever it is you want to do for the day if you want to the beach in the summer great. If you want to the mountains and go skiing you got that. You got Hollywood got theme parks. Philadelphia doesn’t have any of that.
You don’t know much about the Philly area – do you.
Depending on where someone chooses to live, he/she can be at the beach in less than an hour. In LA, with the “great” traffic you guys have, the beaches may be physically closer but it can take just as long to get there.
Also, what does skiing have to do with Bryce Harper. Since Jim Lonborg hurt his career, most guaranteed contracts have clauses in them preventing players from doing things in the offseason that could impact their health. Remember when Boone tore up his knee playing basketball? It was a violation of his contract terms.
Hollywood theme parks? Do you really think that’s a high priority item on Harper’s list?
It’s money – pure and simple – and if Cataldi is right harper wants the flexibility to go to the West Coast in three years.
The Phillies solution for that is to have the contract extremely back loaded – if he wants out after 3 years he’s going to pay for the flexibility.
The inner city parts of Philly make up about 1% of the region. The other 99% which is where a wealthy athlete would live the crime rate is non existent. And you get to beach + mountains from Philly in an hour. or so. I get the La glamour factor but No One would be stuck in Philly. Its an awesome region.. The national + social media dragging Philly thru the mud during this ordeal pisses me off.
How in the heck can you call that a beach close to Philly. Apparently you never been to Southern California.
It takes an hour to get to Atlantic City from Philly. And that’s not counting the fact that almost all professional athletes live in Southern Jersey already. It just took me an hour to get from Koreatown to Santa Monica just three months ago.
The weather is nicer and the celebrity lifestyle is very prevalent. Other than that, this argument that LA has resources that Philly doesn’t is ridiculous. And even if you want to explore a more high profile lifestyle, you are literally a 30 minute flight to NYC. It takes just as long to go get a coffee in LA
I’ve been to SoCAl – I love SD and hate LA. Smog, crime, traffic, small lots for most houses.
Wait to you guys have to start spending true market value for all the water you steal from other areas of the state and country.
You’re gonna love it!
He’ll be in Philly when the weather is fine. He’ll stay in Vegas in the offseason.
So, really, you’re comparing Spring, Summer and Fall weather, not the Winter.
From wikipedia:
Avg JuneJulyAug high temp in LA: 78,83,86 Philly: 83,87,85.
I’ll be honest, that 85 in August is surprising and definitely feels like 150
Philly is trash. “Passionate?” Nope. Without question the biggest loser fanbase, possibly on the planet. They’re worse than Duke, The Yankees, Notre Dame, And Miami Hurricanes COMBINED.
Atlantic City!?!?!? That’s your beach????? Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Nobody goes to AC beaches lolololol. Horrible beach.
First of all, that’s not true at all. Atlantic City beaches have been drawing bigger and bigger crowds now that AC is no longer the tourist attraction that it used to be. It’s not my beach of choice, but it is the shortest drive from the city. Add an extra 20-30 minutes and you are at significantly better beaches in both directions.
But based on your posts already, your judgment seems to be rarely based in fact, soooo…..
Nope. I grew up in the area and have multiple friends on the Police Force there. When the ratables from AC Casinos went from 21 Billion to 8 billion, the city went took a nosedive further. Aside from the pier, AC boardwalk is a disaster. It’s one copy and pasted novelty T Shirt shop after another. Homeless people under the boardwalk, drug deals galore, etc. No family in their right mind would go to AC beaches. I surfed “Crystals” (you have no clue what that is) for years. Yep, you have Longport and Margate to the South and Brig to the North, the lattermost being a fishing town. But you didn’t claim that in your post. You claimed “1 hour to AC.” Which is a lie also. Without traffic from the Walt Whitman to Caesars? Maybe at 11 pm. On a summer weekend? Are you on drugs? AC expressway? Nope, definitely not. 42 – 322? Hahahaha. Cute. From memorial day to labor day it’s gridlock for a significant portion of the day. I had a house in Sea Isle and worked in Marlton. Even met Marcus Ragnarsom, Jeremiah Trotter, Jimmy Rollins, TO, B-Dawk, and Justin Williams when I was a manager at the BMW store there. All nice guys except Williams. You’re absolutely full of hot air. And nope, philly fans are trash. Guy pukes on Cops daughter at phillies game. Guys jump somebody at a Ranger Flyer game. Guy sneaks a guy and puts him in a coma at Flyer Ranger winter classic. Guy turns out to be NYPD (my barber cut the loser’s hair). The dirty 30. Santa Claus. Even Ed Rendell admittedly threw snowballs at him!!!!! You can find video of Ed admitting it. Nah. All facts. You’re clueless about AC and lied about getting there in 60 minutes. No way on a “shore weekend.”
Give him an opt out after year 4 as long as the Phillies also have an opt out after year 4. One of these days these owners are going to wise up. Also what ever happened to performance clauses. These superstars do not want any part of them I guess.
Well I would hope that the offer was over $300 million, since Heyman says that Harper has already turned down multiple $300+ million offers. And I think everyone knows that Heyman would never make something like that up (lol)
Dodgers or Giants offer 7 years, $270MM, or 8 years, $305MM with opt outs after 3rd and fifth years.
Harper seems like a virgin. Just cant pull the trigger.
… But dreams constantly about going all the way.
Easy pal. You do realize that he is a Mormon?
Cant imagine harper wants to spend 10 years playing in philly over SF and LA just from a location and lifestyle perspective.
Three years only, probably, after Philly caves and gives him the opt-out.
My guess . Harper wouldnt leave Philly after the 3 years. Hed forget all about LA,SF after playing./living in Philly. Philly is a Bigger Boston with an Edgy side. Its the biggest market in the country with just 1 team.. The Dodgers draw 150,000 viewers per game the Phillies close to 300,000 when they are good.The Phillies are the closest thing to the Yankee fandom when they are good
Lifestyle? Harper is a Mormon. He doesn’t drink. He was born and raised in Las Vegas and still resides in the area…in Henderson, Nevada, about 15 miles southeast of the strip.
This is beginning to take on the feel of an Arranged Marriage, sure the bride will be beautiful and radiant at the Wedding but then comes the Honeymoon. Good luck Philadelphia.
Honeymoon, nothing. What about a few years in?
Call the counselor or call the attorneys.
You know, I said something a few days ago about how the fans would treat Harper if they had to vastly over pay bc he doesnt like or want to play in Philly and all I got was garbage replies…. go @ Mark Teixeira bc he literally just put out the same concern on ESPN.
The media hits us Philly fans for throwing snowballs at Santa… we threw batteries at JD Drew. That was over refusal to play for 5-6M, this is over 300M deal isnt enough for him to play here…
Texeria is clueless. The rhetoric that Harper doesnt want to play in Philly is nonsense.. Its one of Boras’s leverage tools , Boras is the best in the business and hes focused on getting the best deal for his client…
If he did want to play in Philly don’t you think he would’ve signed already given the fact that their the highest bidder, and realistically the only team offering 300+million?
E-X-A-C-T-L-Y
Same reason we had to trade for players to come to the Sixers in the 5th largest media market.
No one likes us.
This is what Scott Boras does he drags things out, this is his new strategy.. JD Martinez/Boston went thru the same ordeal with Boras just last year… And According to reports the Phillies/Harper have a deal in place thats snagged with an opt-out clause…Not smart to say Harper doesnt want to play in Philly. If you said its not Harpers preferred choice I couldn’t argue that.
I wonder how the Phillies front office is beginning to feel about the process. Spring Training has started, there are still other free agents available and it sure as hell looks like Boras and Harper are just toying with them at this point.
You can only “negotiate” like this with billionaires for so long before you piss them off and they pull the offer and take their cash elsewhere. I’d think we’re now getting into that territory with the Phillies ownership and front office.
If Middleton et al had any thread of self respect, they’d pull the plug on this crap show. This is not only a poor decision (throwing a dump truck full of money at an overpriced narcissist whose commitment to Philly, at BEST, is marginal) but is becoming an embarrassment to the franchise, the city and the fans. Whatever immediate gratification may be derived from this foolishness, including trophies and rings, the long term impact of this will be a train wreck. Philly fans want players commitmented to being at CBP — for more than a paycheck.
The sticking point is a player opt-out clause after year 3..This has been the hold-up according to Philly media member Angelo Cataldi. If the Phils had accepted the opt out clause the Deal would have been done already.
From the Phils point of view if it takes this much time and money to sign Harper how can you not come away a bit insulted. I know I know money talks and all but he clearly has Philly really low on the list. I would have more respect for their FO if they gave him a 24 hour window to take it or leave it or simply walk away at this point.
Boras does this with everyone. Philly can’t be insulted, its business., It would be the same situation with nearly every other team. They have a number and until you reach their number Boras will drag you thru the mud via his puppets in the media.
The Phillies didn’t need your respect. Again, low on his list? Clueless!
Did i hit a nerve? Geez. He’ll be a giant or dodger by the weekend. Get over it.
Couldn’t you say that about any team who signs him?
Everyone is assuming that Harper doesn’t want to play in Philly even though there are plenty of factors. He is a Boras client. There’s a lot of reason for him to be waiting until the last minute.
Harper has had 7 years to become familiar with MLB clubs and cities, at least a year of knowing he was going to become a free agent and what clubs he would likely have an interest in playing for, and 5 months since the end of the season to actually decide where he wants to go. Talk about indecisive. When you see all his antics with his hair, beard, videos of him working out with his shirt off, the way he stares at every home run as though he just did something no one else has ever done, and now waiting until the last minute to sign with someone just to get a few extra dollars that wouldn’t be life changing for him given how much he would get regardless instead of getting in camp on time and showing he is about team — this guy just reeks of selfishness. He’s a really good player, but good Lord, what a joke this all is.
I’m so very thankful this is not my team being strapped down for 10 years and millions of dollars for Bryce Harper, Long contracts are not team friendly,Texas tried this twice,Prince Fielder and he was injured and had to quit the game, all the while with Texas and the insurance still paying another 4 years, will make last payment in 2020 I believe,before that we had the A-Rod years which was a long contract that lasted 2 years I think, My point is that the long contracts are good for a couple years,Then the team is strapped with the burden of not having money for other contracts.,the player is hurt or wore out and still getting millions, case in point Albert Pujols., But I would still lock up Mike Trout for years and the owners should have opt out clauses to cover the teams future.
I agree with you. If he was 21 years old a 10 year deal would be OK. But right now 10 years is going to put him in his mid-30s.
In a local article I read, it said Dodgers are better off going long term then short with a high AAV in regards to luxury tax penalties. Possible the Dodgers upped their offer??
If anybody needs Harper it’s the Giants. They need more help than the Dodgers do. The Giants haven’t won one single spring training game.
You are basing need on a first week spring training record?
If it’s true that the sticking point is the three-year or six-year opt-out, it’s now obvious what the strategy is —
Harper rebuilds his value in CBP for the next three seasons and exercises his opt-out after 2021. He then hits the FA market for a seven-year deal at age 29, and goes to NY or LA. The Phils get used.
Unless he opts out after a front-loaded three years, which no team would do to themselves anyway, not a bad outcome for the Phillies either. They will have gotten three years of good performance.. So let him opt out after three years (no front-loading).
Heavily back load it.
You mentioned CBP, but I think the bigger factor may be CBA. I believe it ends after the 2021 season. With all the enmity between the owners and the MLBPA, all bets are off after that.
There isn’t a difference between 300 million and 326 million. It’s far too much as it is.
At a game last year, I told a bro that I didn’t want Harper on my ballclub. He had choice words for me. Two months ago, I wanted Harper, thinking this would be cut and dry. At this point, I don’t want him.
Phillies tried to spend their stupid money and it clearly wasn’t enough. So give him a deadline to sign, and if he says no, move on.
It’s getting old. I’m sure at this point a fella like Kapler wants to just get into the proper mindset of having a set lineup and not having to worry about plugging Harper in somewhere.
This offseason was not a failure. We clearly improved. And if it means without Harper, fine. Just let the season begin. I’m ready for my 12 dollar Yuengling and 15 dollar Tony Lukes. Play ball.
^ Pinko Commie rag
if you say so, comrade!
Sorry about that, Chief.
I was just trying out my Morty Seinfeld impression as a riff to your user handle.
vashe zdorov’ye!
Phillies Fan: I DON’T WANT HIM! Spend the money elsewhere. Sign 2 or 3 good players instead. Baseball is a team sport.
Absolutely! There’s no “H” in team.
As a Padres fan, go Phillies. Keep him out of LA or SF
As an SF fan, Keep him out of LA or SF too.
Let’s set aside the Circus Show and the Fanfare for just a second and tap into “what sounds reasonable”.
1. Harper doesn’t want a short-term deal, because if he doesn’t repeat his MVP year going forward…..He’ll never get a Huge contract again…..Makes sense, right?
2. Harper wants an Opt-Out in case salaries continue to climb, or a team doesn’t perform as promised (by the Team convincing him to sign)…..Makes sense, right?
3. If Harper wants an Opt-Out, so he can “sign a bigger contract”….He MUST play somewhere that he can “Pad His Stats” for the next 3 years…..Makes sense, right?
4. The Giants Home Stadium is HORRIBLE to LHB, and with Harper being a LHB…..He would only go there if he planned on spending the rest of his career there, because then he’d get paid, regardless of his future performance. Makes sense, right?
5. Citizens Bank Park is one of the “Most Homer Friendly Parks” there is, so he could pad his stats and then Opt-Out….IF the Phillies aren’t contending.
However….If they ARE winning, and he see’s something positive going forward….He could stay there and seriously “Pad His Career Stats”, so he’s a shoe-in for the HOF.
Makes The Most Sense……..Doesn’t It?
Phillies apparently don’t want to give him an Opt-Out after year 3.
They should just “Bite The Bullet”….and make the best of the next 3 years,…..and Hope He Stays Around.
overall agree with you but after all this agony im not doing it for just 3 years.
split the difference and opt out after 4.
In 3 years, He’ll be 29
But after 4 years, he’ll be that “dreaded 30”
There should be a difference, really……but there is. THAT is one reason he wants a Opt-Out after 3 yrs (after 2021)
Another reason…..His buddy Kris Bryant will be a FA then too…..possibly
3rd reason…..Trout and Mookie will have signed with a new team after 2020…..and set new records to be broken.
You forgot the 4th reason, which is more important than the 3 you listed. The current CBA expires in 3 years.
The Phillies shoud call Boras and say Harper has 1 hr to accept the offer as-is. Every hour that passes afterwards drops 1 year at the same AAV off. Either Harper signs with the Phillies or they move on.
There aren’t any other teams competing for Harper. The Giants and Dodgers’ offers are almost certainly 60% or less than that of the Phillies. Time to finish this charade up.
Hi everyone, let me introduce you to Scott Boras.
Rewind to February 2018. J. D. Martinez was “fed up” with the inflexibility of the Red Sox negotiating. He was “unsure about joining Boston”.
This is just what Boras has resorted to the last two seasons because his big clients have only had one truly interested party. Boras has been forced to stall in order to try to get the Phillies to increase their offer. Maybe they have, maybe they haven’t, nobody (Heyman, Nightengale, even Steve Adams) knows for sure except Boras and the Phillies’ brass.
It’s just business and it will end soon. OK, maybe not soon, but eventually.
Seems like a lot for a 2 WAR player…
Let the Phillies get Harper. That way the dodgers can get arenado next year if he doesn’t sign a extension or Chris sale or mookie Betts or Gerrit Cole. Then when trout become free agent the dodgers can pounce on that. Angel won’t get a extension with him unless they win a world series before he go free agent.
Sorry to burst your bubble my friend, but Trouts coming home to Philly!!!
Phils will still finish 3rd..
Phillies will win the East or the 1st Wild card. Brewers will be lucky to finish 3rd.
oh look the same Cubs fan that comments Brewers on every post. what a loser.
The brewers have the 2nd best team in all of the national league… they are far,far ahead of philly. Philly won’t make the playoffs… they won’t even come close to winning that division. Brewers will win the central
I wouldn’t say the Angels need to win the WS for Trout to stay in Anaheim, but they probably need to make the postseason.
That is not going to be easy in that division with Houston at the top, and at least two playoff teams coming from the AL East.
If they just had some decent pitching at all they’d be at least a WC team
OK when did Philadelphia win a World Series in the century. Yeah that’s true the Dodgers haven’t won since 1988. If I recall I don’t think the dodgers ever placed last in any given season. Unlike Philadelphia
They did in 1992.
Except that Toronto defeated Atlanta in the 1992 World Series. Last time the Phillies did it before 2008 was 1980.
Uh, 2008…..And if the Phillies end up with Harper, their roster will rival the Dodgers in every way!
Lol
That really is the truth. 2008.
And he calls himself number1dodgers? LOL Dude, the Phillies beat your team to get to the World Series that year, which they won 4 games to 1 to win the World Series! Jeez
Honestly I could care less about Harper. I hope he doesn’t sign with the Dodgers.
So then there is a part of you that does care? Being that you could care less as opposed to couldn’t care less,,lol,…. just sayin’….
The Jays come in from no where with a 11 year 330M offer and he joins the Jay and Vlad Jr as the new face of the Jays. Not!
Phillies fans get so offended when people say Harper doesn’t want to go there LOL. I’ve lived in philly and in LA. No one not from Philly would want to live there 10 years if there’s another option
No, we aren’t offended, we just think it’s funny how Dodgers Fans think EVERYBODY wants to be in L.A., they don’t!!!!
Not offended, we think you’re silly parrots, repeating the same baseless claim over and over… Never been to LA, no interest except maybe to see a game at Dodger Stadium, but I’m pretty sure a large part of LA isn’t pleasant between the air quality, crime and superficial atmosphere.
Don’t forget the reported 1..5 Million Illegal aliens roaming around in LA County,
There are 2 seasons in LA. Wildfire season and Mudslide season.
It just seems like he doesn’t want to play in Philly.
So, he has received at least two contract offers of $300 million or more and still not signed. Yet, the writers on this site are “shocked” that teams aren’t signing these generational talents.
They are getting offers and showing just how selfish they are by not getting into camp with the rest of their team. The world revolves around them and we will be told that owner’s are colluding to keep them down. What a joke…
So there’s a camp that says it’s ok to sign him for a high AAV on a short term deal and a camp that says an early opt out is out of the question. How is one REALLY different than the other?
Harper is gonna go with the Rancho Cucamonga Cracka Killas 12/400 with an option for. 13th and 14th year. 6 opt outs. Every two years. Uncle Elroy , Willie Jones and Craig and Day Day Jones will be his business advisors strength coaches and Top Flight Security of the World.
He’s up for a drug test if he turns down what’s reported. Stupid only scratches the surface.
Why does everyone always blame the drugs?
^ commie rag!
Mookie Betts and Mike Trout are watching this and thinking if these two jackals in Machado and Harper can get this kind of money with their numbers imagine what I will get.
Those guys watching…. very well could be why Teams are hesitant…..because sooner or later, there has to be a ceiling……
The more they see what’s going on the more likely they’ll probably sign extensions to avoid all this drama they’ve seen with Harper and machado
Heyman says there’s another bidder? Uh huh. Maybe we can be surprised that some mystery-mystery team comes out of no where, but I’m a little dubious.
There’s been reports of a mystery team for several weeks. Not sure why you’re acting like it’s a new thing.
“Heyman suggests that there’s at least one other club that has expressed a willingness to top $300MM to sign Harper, which would be a surprising new development at this stage in his free agency.”
Heyman doing Boras’ bidding once again
It’s pretty obvious he doesn’t really want to play for the Phillies. That’s not a rip on Philly. He’s from Las Vegas. He wants to play closer to home just as maybe Trout would like to go to Phillies from Anaheim. Add to
pitching then hope Trout comes back east.
quite far from obvious to be totally honest.
If indeed one other suitor is out there somewhere then whom could it be? lol White Sox or Padres? Remember he must check with the Cubs before signing any deal. Lord Theo demands it!
If he has to settle for Philly then he wants both the security of a long term deal if things fall off the rails but if he’s winning an mvp or near mvp caliber his first 3 seasons then he wants the opportunity of something more lucrative.
You’d think if the Phillies deal is over 300 mil total for 10 years then he want at least the security of that in a shorter term with an opt out. Say 8 years 320 million. Which is just stupid money and makes no sense. Don’t think He’ll get that much but maybe a year or 2 added on by another suitor and that’s with winning 2 mvps
Then again this could be all a bunch or Boras bull but I really think the opt out is just him settling on Philly. Just wants a plan b after 3 years.
No thank you. He’s all about himself. He likes himself more than any fan could ever like him.
I’m just liking that opposing teams are investing a huge chunk of budget on one player. The Cubs have a few of their own but at least it’s not for the next 10 years.
Bryzzo with both get paid handsomely from the Cubs. As will contreas and Baez. The 4 of them will get a total of 550mil spanning 13 total years.. the majority will go to Bryant. Probably 260-275mil over 8 years then 100mil for Rizzo and Baez. And close to 65mil for contreas.
I’m just glad the “low ball” offer to Bryant was fake news and never actually happened.
Can you please stop posting false information! Every post Jon Heyman makes is incredibly inaccurate. The actual figure is out there, it’s 330m. It’s a 3 team race. Giants are open to 7 years or for 3 years. Dodgers are only interested in 3 years. The Phillies are the only team offering 10 years. The Phillies would have a Harper deal in place by now, but they don’t want to give out a buyout within the first 3 years. Again please do research before posting.
Trump a great humanitarian.
Oh wait, you wanted me to stop.
If he wanted to be in Philly, he’d be there by now.
New prediction: Harper signs an unprecedented five-year deal with the Dodgers that comes close to $200 million. It includes an opt-out after three years, allowing Harper to collect a lot of dough and then re-enter the market after the new CBA.
You can only ask someone to the dance so many times and hear “maybe” – where’s your pride, Phillies? Go get Keuchel & Kimbrel, then focus on Trout.
That’s kind of a silly way to look at it…Has Harper asked anybody else to the “Dance” yet? NO! Has anybody, including the Phillies been rejected yet? NO….So why should ONLY the Phillies be asked to “show some pride” This is straight up, text book Boras insanity. He does this with every client and screws every team trying to negotiate with him, it’s always a circus with this guy!
Angry day, Truth? Deep breath my friend. I have much respect for the Phils, I spend a lot of time in Clearwater in March. Harper & the Phils are not a good fit, in my opinion. The depth of Keuchel & Kimbrel outweigh the gamble on Harper. The unmatched value of bringing Trout to town requires no explanation. My suggestion is specifically opposed to Boras’ tactics – the Phils put their best foot forward, commendably, but it’s time to move on. Eeeeeasy, Truth, easy big guy.
LOL, Angry Day? I want what your smoking! it would take alot more than a bunch of dopes on the internet to set me off. As for your Kimbrel and Keuchel point, I don’t disagree. I actually think for long term and for money reasons, I would agree with you except that Kimbrel reportedly hasn’t come off of his demand for a 6 year deal and there’s no way I’d give him that if I were any team………Now go home and get your shoeshine box 😉
… now you seem angry and unoriginal, Truth. Try harder.
If I were Bryce I would take the Phillies offer with early opt outs like 3rd year and 6th year
Unless his name is Mike Trout you don’t deserve that much money plain and simple.
Preach!
You’ve got to know when to hold them
Know when to fold them
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
The only team that might put that kind of money on the table at this point might (I’d stick in one more might if I could find a spot) be the White Sox.
If they had $250-280 million budgeted for Machado, it wouldn’t be inconceivable that they decided to up it to land a big fish.
But, mostly these other teams are being mentioned in order to get the Phillies to bid against themselves, likely in the form of a front loaded deal with a 4th or 5th year opt out.
Predicting it here… 315 million over 10 years for the Phils. Two opt outs- 1 after 3 years, 1 after 5.
This would be more credible if it wasn’t Heyman and Nightengale. They really lack journalistic standards.
Ridiculous money in baseball. MLB players starting to be very unlikable pissing and moaning about their contracts and owners charging a fortune for games. The sport better take a step back and try connecting with regular everyday ppl again.
This is just ridiculous. Ur not that good, u lack interested teams, phils have met or nearly met ur asking price, ST is underway and u still havent signed. At this point, itd be hilarious if he failed his physical and got 5/50 or something equally as ridiculous.
Personally I think the Phillies are just letting themselves be strung along at this point. They are bending over WAY too far for this guy if you ask me. I just can’t wrap my head around what the hold up may be either. No doubt something to do with the “brilliant” Mr. Boras……
Phillies: take your money off the table and save it for Lindor and Trout. Both are better hitters and fielders than Harper
Clearly he does NOT want to be in Philly and he is holding out for one of the Cali teams to give him a long term deal.
I’m as big a homer as they come, but no way is he worth that kind of money. He’s had exactly 1 healthy superstar level season in 7 years. No thanks
Is it me or is this “it Michaels” guy in denial?? Dude it isn’t just money or opt out clauses!!!! He clearly isn’t excited about living in Philly and you can’t blame him! I’ve been all over Philly and all over SF and LA. Two different worlds and for every 1 person that wants to live in Philly there is 5 that want to live on the West Coast. Just stop bro you’re looking pretty stupid in here. Don’t even get me on the “dedicated Philly fans” it’s trash out there.
Really can’t see any way tho guy doesn’t go Philadelphia unless he really just doesn’t want to play for them. I do think the Dodgers are his preferred destination and I think they’d clearly love to have him but they just don’t want to commit to what he wants. I’d be completely shocked if by tomorrow he hasn’t signed with Phili.
Poor guy is only going to see about half of his money once taxes are taken out….
Yeah…. cry me a river….. lol
I wonder how many Phillies fans are actually happy with this? I think the Phillies need to step back and ask themselves just how far they are willing to bend over for this guy. Sure, they have plenty of payroll space right now, but if their plans to start contending immediately don’t exactly pan out then how will they be feeling about this monster contract in another 5 years or so when his production may well be starting to decline? Sure he is a good player but I just can’t see how he is worth the 300+ million numbers that we’ve been hearing. I also can’t help but think that if the Phillies keep letting themselves be strung along like this that eventually they will end up regretting it somehow. These “superstar” free agent scenarios just keep getting worse and worse every year and it’s only going to continue to spiral without anything in place to stop it. SMH….
blogs.fangraphs.com/mike-trout-has-been-as-good-as…
Trouts worth vs Machado and Harper combined over the years.
Cannot believe most people do not see it. Michael K even said on his radio show yesterday it is as if Harper is saying “please someone anyone give me a reason not to sign with the Phillies“.
It’s only a matter of time the Phillies work out a deal with him.
This is as close as it gets.
I just hope it pays off for them if it happens because this is absolutely the definition of stupid money. I just don’t think the guy is worth that much, even if you do have a whole lot of payroll space like the Phillies do right now. We’ll see….
Harper come to SF, get on the Balco cream and win some titles. The Giants have stupid money!!!
funny how about a third of these comments are of substance and the other 2/3 is “screw Philly” or “I bet they are idiots and are offering him $400 million.” Grow up and realize hating an entire city’s fanbase is childish.
We all knew the money would be north of crazy. This being said, the question needs to be this: are the Phillies good enough that Bryce Harper can put them over the top? Because I’m thinking no.
With Harper and another pitcher( which the Phillies will get either now or before the deadline) who’s better in the East? For that matter, given the Phillies projected lineup with the additions of Harper, Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto, who’s better in the entire National League. They may not be the best in some peoples eyes but they certainly will compete with anybody in the East and should make the playoffs and, let’s face it, if you make it to the dance, you have as good a chance as anybody else there!
Well, Washington had a better team w/ Bryce, and they made it to how many World Series’? Yup.
Sorry but most of you just don’t get it. It’s not a question of whether he’s worth it or not. It’s a simple case of supply and demand. How many players left in the market have his stats? And, unfortunately when you’re shopping when you’re hungry you tend to overvalue the quality of what you’re buying. Plus we don’t have to deal with an agent dangling the one item we like in front of us telling us someone will offer more for it. Tony La Russia had it right when he said free agency was good but not in it’s current format. You want true free agency then release everyone and outlaw multi-year contracts. Should the Giants sign him? Not my money, but truthfully they AREN’T in need of OFs, they need a 3rd place and cleanup hitter plus someone who can lead off. Very possible current roster could supply two of them. If Harper signs that’s two birds with one stone. Also need to consider their “core” players are on the wrong side of 30. They can’t rebuild with this roster over 2-3 years so need Harper to help win now and help bridge to new core and be attractive to future free agents. No Harper and poor record mid season means sell off as right now their players are undervalued because of previous injuries. Mid season, same supply and demand rules apply. Hungrier teams vying for playoffs overvalue the supply.
If he wanted to play in Philly, the deal would be done already. He doesn’t want to play there
If he wanted to play in X city, he would have signed by now…..He hasn’t signed because this is the crappy tactic that Boras does to get his client more money, simple as that, has ZERO to do with him not wanting to be in Ph……..oh wait, your a Mets fan, that explains your negativity and hostility, lol!
But the NY Post said so…
Manny Machado’s record setting $300 million contract. What’s record setting if it doesn’t beat Stanton’s $325 million?
dennis63480……..
Manny’s was a FA signing…a record FA signing. Stanton’s was a record extension. Why do people keep asking this question?
I don’t think the comments about him not wanting to play in Philly are necessarily on point. Sure, he may have a West Coast preference, but my guess is that it’s about the money / playing chess at this point. The more teams getting involved at this stage (especially with Manny off the market) is probably bumping up the contract a bit. If Philly doesn’t take the deal off the table, why not wait a little bit?
I’m a Phillies fan and I wish he’d just sign somewhere else. I would rather have had Machado and make a huge push for Mike Trout. But we did get “way past his prime” Andrew MCCutchen. That should pack them in.
Totally agree. His interest in Philly was to establish a market price and gauge, Once it reaches a certain point of the value the other teams have reached, he can leak he doesn’t want to play on the east coast.. Boras will get him what he wants and most likely they’ve already reached that threshold. My guess is he’s just trying to get the team he wants to pay more than they want to.
With the report of Arenado’s contract extension… that pretty much means Harper is one of the few premier free agent players left on the open market for awhile.
I expect Bryce will benefit from that.
The Phillies will HAVE to ante up big time.
Harper wants to play in L.A. ALWAYS has.
I’m betting he’ll get 5 years and 200 million from the Dodgers… and an opt out after 3 years.
The Dodgers may have been thinking Nolan next year as Turner was in the last year of his contract…. now, Harper makes more sense.. just my 2 cents worth.
@Michigan Dodger guy
Totally agree. I just left a similar comment before reading this. I think Arenado, Kershaws shoulder acting up, and whatever is going on with Toles is forcing the Dodgers to make a move.
If he goes to Philly do you think think he’ll wear #34?
Should be 666.
Heyman is a dope
Yes he is always reporting teams “checking in” with Harper (and with Manny before Bryce)!
Non story here!
Of course offer is greater than $300 mil. Has to beat Machado contract.
I don’t care where he signs, or for how much. I just want him to sign sonewhere other than DC soon, before Boras cons old man Lerner into paying him stupid money. His WAR has been below 2.0 in three of the last five seasons. I’m a huge Nats fan. Watched almost every game of his career. He’s been on some pretty darn good Nationals teams, and taken us nowhere. He isn’t worth anywhere near $300M. Machado may be a jerk, but he’s a better player than Harper, and I’m not sure he’s worth that kind of money either.
If you’re a GM, what does success look like (from a baseball perspective), if you sign a guy for 10 years and $300+M? How many division championships, playoff series, WS do you need to win, to say that contract was worth it? I’m going to say (over 10 years), 4 division crowns, 2 LCS appearances, and one WS, at a bear minimum.
Harper to the Homestead Grays for 15 years/$750,000. Lol just kidding I’m predicting that he goes to the Phillies for 10 years/$335 million.
Over 100 rbi’s just once in 7 years…
Over 140 games just 3 times.
Over 100 runs just twice.
Over 40 Hr just once.
Over 10 Outfield assist just once.
===
Must be crazy to pay over 5 years in a contract and more than 25m per year. A totally over rated player. Not even among the best 25 mlb player. I’m not talking about his lack of leadership and negative chemistry.
Boras must have a lot of war fanatics in his payrolls writing here.
Hey look folks. Its one of those Neanderthals that thinks RBI are a measure of individual performance. I thought they were extinct.
And he thinks players score runs on their own too. How special. Do you believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy as well?
.900 OPS. Over 1.000 OPS twice. 10.0 WAR and an MVP at 22. The best measure of offensive production is wOBA. How did Harper do? .382 wOBA, only Trout and Stanton have been as good or better. Top 31 in the history of the game through age 25. He has not even hit his prime yet.
To think someone would pay this guy almost 40 million shows the kind of money owners actually make and to be honest, he’s not even worth half of it.
The Giants organization is being awfully quiet about their status with Bryce Harper. I’m not hearing much. Maybe they know they’re out?
Just a observation.
I think most people know that they were never in.
Are all of the Boras detractors going to come out and admit they were wrong?
Jesus trout will make absolutely insane money within the next two years with an extension or as a FA smh. I love Harper as he is an elite talent but he hasn’t put up consistent elite numbers so this would be an overpay
Btw boras ALWAYS gets what he wants, why don’t people still know this by now ? lol
You mean like what Boras wanted with JD Martinez? Boras works for Harper it’s him and his wife’s decision.
Bryce Harper has exceeded 300 TB once in his career. He’s an above average player over-hyped like he’s Joe DiMaggio. It seems the Phillies have learned nothing from their Ryan Howard experience.
I would not give have anything less than 5 yr opt out. If you don’t like it, take a hike
“Harper still expects to finally make his decision this week, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale,”
And you believe this guy???? As Bugs Bunny would laugh and say, “what a maroon”.
if it’s Philly It’s gonna be 10/$350M with opt out after 4/5. Have at it. Machado and Arenado are better players signed for far less.
Bryce doesn’t want to play for Gabe Kapler and his “quirky” personality. Phillies look like complete clowns this is embarrassing for the organization. They’re so desperate to spend money! Haha
Are you saying tanning your nuts to absorb vitamin D is quirky? Nonsense! That’s caveman napping 101.
Harper wants to play in California (on the beach as well as the field), and he’s only using Philadelphia to boost the bidding between SF, LA and, at one time, SD. But so much of the Dodger’s core talent is young and still a few years away from “stupid money”, whereas the Giants are already there.
So, as much as it sucks to say, he’s going to LA.
I agree, his choice will be the Dodgers. And I don’t blame him, makes too much sense.
As a Giants fan, I never really thought Harper was a real possibility. The Giants have been so mismanaged the last couple of years that’s it’s going to take a few years to correct the ship.
The Giants had a great run in 2010, 2012 and 2014. An absolute train wreck since. They might as well have fan tryouts to play in their outfield in 2019. Also have fans scout and develop players.
Water is wet. Fire is hot. Of course their offer is over $300 million. The Nationals gave him an offer of 10/300 in September and then increased it 3 months later. Most of the NL West have also made offers. There have been other “mystery” teams in the mix too. With Arenado getting $32.5 MM AAV, you know Harper’s deal is going to be north of 10/325.
No player is worth that kind of money.
Apparently several are because they are getting paid that much.
I never thought there was a chance Harper was going to LA until a few recent events; Toles put on an indefinite leave, Kershaws shoulder acting up, and today, which I believe put this all in “go” mode, the extension of Arenado. I think with Turners contract ending soon and his age, he won’t be getting resigned. Dodgers were going to go after Arenado. Now he’s gone and Dodgers are not going to have that offensive replacement. I can’t believe Harper might be in BLUE. lol
Come on SF or even LA. Get him out of the Eastern division.
Just receiving a given contract does not mean the player is worth that contract. Players are overpaid on a regular basis, and the organizations who give them those contracts often regret them.
One must take into consideration the revenue a big name player may generate, even without the team having success as a whole, but there are many examples of bad contracts. Stanton with the Marlins, (although they were fortunate enough to get bailed out by the Yankees), Greinke with the Dbacks and both Hamilton and Pujols with the Angels come to mind, just to name a few.
Depends on the team the big name player signs with. If its the Yankees or the Dodgers if cannot see any significant revenue jump. If he were to sign with the Pirates or the Twins, sure I could see a big bump in all aspects of revenue but is it worth it? Payroll parity is one of the many problems with revenue sharing with the smaller clubs unwilling to compete and spend the money that it would take to compete. Most of the smaller market clubs, not all, pocket the money instead of reinvesting into players like they should.
How is he not making a difference with the two biggest marketing machines behind him???
This guy is going to make is next employer a lot of money
Three times in 7 years he has topped 500 official at bats in a season. He is prone to long slumps with funky hitting mechanics and considered barely average in the field. The teams offering this kind of money are insane.
Harper getting overpaid by the Phillies makes less sense to me that Harper getting overpaid by the Dodgers. If Machado, a demonstrably better and more complete player, is worth $300 million for 10 years, Harper should be worth less. Machado hits for average and power and has a good arm and plays good defense at 3B. Harper hits for power and is not so good in other ways. Harper may be the most overrated player in the league. Harper would be closer to home in LA than in Philly and the fans are going to more forgiving.