MLB hot stove: Nationals not one of recent teams to offer Bryce Harper $300-million deal, report says

Thomas Lott

MLB hot stove: Nationals not one of recent teams to offer Bryce Harper $300-million deal, report says image

The bidding war appears to have begun for Bryce Harper.

The six-time All-Star is believed to have turned down multiple $300-million offers over the last few days, according to Fancred Sports.

Manny Machado reportedly agreed to a record 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres this week. Machado and Harper were considered the two best free agents available this offseason and both were looking for deals in excess of $300 million, according to multiple reports.

Now, is this report true? Maybe not. It could very well be a negotiating tactic on the part of Harper's agent, Scott Boras, to drive the price up. However, is it possible Harper has received a $300 million offer — and possibly even more than one — the same week Machado did? Sure.

Several reports have said Harper may sign as early as this week and to a deal of more than $300 million. At this point, it's simply a matter of finding out who will give it to him.

The Phillies are believed to be in the lead, though another report said the 2015 NL MVP may be usure about Philadelphia, and according to Fancred Sports, the Giants may not be out of the running and could now be offering a long-term deal.

At appears the Nationals are not one of the teams who will offer him $300 million.

Washington has no intention of giving Harper a deal matching the one Manny Machado signed, according to MLB.com.

 

Thomas Lott