It is the $64 issue (whilst agent Scott Boras hopes it is additional like the $300 million issue): which staff will sign totally free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper. Spring teaching is up and operating, and both equally Harper and Manny Machado continue being out of operate.
Sooner or later, both equally will sign on the dotted line. And both equally will get a handsome sum to enjoy baseball in 2019.
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MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand broke down the market place for Harper, and discovered which groups are most (and least) likely to sign the 2015 Countrywide League MVP.
Feinsand stated three prolonged photographs: the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. Despite Boras’ greatest tries, Yankees typical manager Brian Cashman has been unwilling to have interaction on Harper. Yes, operator Hal Steinbrenner left the doorway open up for Cashman to bid for Harper. But Feinsand claims that possibly won’t materialize.
The Yankees have loads of outfielders — Aaron Choose, Aaron Hicks, Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner and Clint Frazier are all underneath contract — from which to decide on, but there is no issue that Harper would make New York’s lineup significantly improved. (Jacoby Ellsbury was supposedly a part of that combine, far too, but the veteran’s spring is by now off to a terrible begin many thanks to a plantar fasciitis challenge.) Yet again, the issue is no matter whether Harper would be amenable to a shorter-time period offer, as the Yankees really do not show up eager to hand out a prolonged contract of eight many years or additional.
Feinsand stated two contenders for Harper: the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox.
He has two groups stated as the favorites: the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals.
The Phillies have pursued both equally Harper and Machado, and are envisioned to land at least one particular of the perennial All-Stars.
The Nationals designed Harper a 10-12 months, $300 million contract give prior to the finish of the 2018 standard time.
Mike Rosenstein may possibly be achieved at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Comply with him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Discover NJ.com on Facebook.
