The Philadelphia Phillies have separated themselves from the rest of the pack in their pursuit of former MVP Bryce Harper after meeting with him for over five hours on Saturday in Las Vegas, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
Prior to Philadelphia's latest push, the Washington Nationals were expected to retain Harper, but their interest in the slugger is said to "waning." Nationals' executives even went as far to call a reunion with Harper a "long shot."
The Phillies are the most aggressive team in pursuit of Harper and feel confident after meeting with him, his wife, and agent Scott Boras in Harper's hometown. The meeting is said to have included a two slide-show presentation by Philadelphia impressing Harper enough for Nightengale to call the Phillies the "clear-cut" favorite. They are expected to make a formal offer to Harper next week.
Early in the offseason, Harper was rumored to be seeking a $400 million but, with Philadelphia also interested in All-Star shortstop Manny Machado, the offer will be closer to $325 million. The Phillies have already made an offer to Machado and remain confident they will sign one of the two mega-stars.
A handful of teams have been linked to Harper, most noticeably the Chicago White Sox and the Nationals. Chicago has yet to make a formal offer to Harper and rather than wait on his decision, have been aggressively pursuing Manny Machado. Harper turned down the Nationals 10 year, $300 million contract offer during the season and the team has yet to engage him in nearly a month.
The Nationals have spent $189 million this winter and if they sign Harper, will go over the luxury tax for the next several years. According to Nightengale, Nationals officials privately say Harper is no longer in their plans unless owner Ted Lerner decides to reengage with Harper. If Harper was to change his mind and sign with Washington, Harper would make less than $25 million a year.
Harper's future contract will mirror New York Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton's 13 years, $325 million contract and be in consideration for tops of the 2019 free agent class.
Bryce Harper's free agent decision is looming, and Philadelphia has propelled themselves above the rest of the pack with a persuasive face-to-face meeting with the free agent outfielder. The only question left is what will Philadelphia offer baseball's hottest free agent.
*preview photo credited to ESPN
Catch up on Bryce Harper's entire free agency here:
https://www.bushleaguesports.net/blog/bryce-harper-once-in-a-lifetime-free-agent
Catch up on Manny Machado's free agency here:
https://www.bushleaguesports.net/blog/white-sox-aggressively-pursuing-manny-machado
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