© Kelley L Cox | 2015 Aug 16
The rumors that the Giants are the most likely team to land Bryce Harper have died down in recent days, but a new report from Jon Heyman on Wednesday still has them as one of the front runners. Most interestingly, Heyman says that Harper has turned down multiple deals over $300 million, which would indicate that money isn’t necessarily a deal breaker for Harper.
That would in theory would bode well for the Giants, who are reportedly uncomfortable offering the former MVP anything more than a seven-year deal.
Bryce Harper is believed to have turned down multiple offers over 300M in recent weeks. at least 5 teams are believed still in contact, tho Philly, SF and perhaps Wash appear to have more chance than SD (just gave 300M to Manny) and CWS (seemed more focused on MM)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 20, 2019
On Tuesday morning, infielder Manny Machado set the market, and ended his game of chicken with Harper, by reportedly signing a 10-year, $300 million deal with the Padres.
Originally, it was reported that Harper was not willing to sign a short-term deal, and that the Giants weren’t willing to offer a long-term one. If true, that would seem to make Harper to the Giants a non-starter, but Heyman reports that the Giants are still “trying hard” for Harper, meaning something may have changed in the coming days.
The #SFGiants are telling people they are trying hard for Harper (this likely debunks the short-term theory for them, as it’s known Harper isn’t signing short-term deal). However, people who have spoken to SF brass said they aren’t necessarily overly optimistic.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 20, 2019
On Tuesday, Andrew Baggarly said he believes the Phillies are the frontrunners for Harper’s services.
“I never thought the White Sox were going to sign either of these guys, I think it’s going to be the Phillies.
“We know the Phillies are going to top what Machado got. I would put the over-under at $320 million, maybe even an 11th year, I would not be surprised to see that. I think they wanted to engage Washington because I think Bryce would like to go back to Washington if it’s still there. I don’t think it will be, but that’s part of what’s been dragging this thing out.”