The Washington Nationals made a big splash in free agency on Tuesday when they agreed to a six-year deal with starting pitcher Patrick Corbin, but that apparently does not mean they are giving up on trying to re-sign Bryce Harper.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Nationals have not ruled out the possibility of re-signing Harper to a huge contract, as long as said contract is “structured to their liking.”
The #Nats, after signing Patrick Corbin, have not ruled out the possibility of still re-signing Bryce Harper if the deal was structured to their liking.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 4, 2018
That last part obviously sounds like the biggest factor. Harper is only 26 and already one of the best players in baseball. Common sense would tell you that any contract he signs will be structured to his liking, not the team’s. Unless he is willing to make exceptions for Washington and/or give out some sort of hometown discount, it seems unlikely that he will structure his deal in any type of customized fashion for the Nats.
Given the types of figures we have already seen thrown around for Harper, you have to assume giving Corbin $140 million has at least somewhat of an impact on what the Nationals will be willing and able to pay Harper.
