Unless a mystery team emerges and blows Bryce Harper away with an offer, it is sounding more and more likely that the star outfielder could end up back with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and beyond.
Washington’s biggest competition for Harper at this point appears to be the Philadelphia Phillies. And while they have been willing to spend big this offseason, one MLB executive told Michael Duarte of NBC LA that he does not think Philly or any other team will beat the Nationals’ offer.
Bryce Harper is still expected to meet with #Phillies brass on Saturday. However, a rival executive told me he doesn't believe they'll trump the #Nationals offer, and that he thinks Harper will ultimately return to Washington.
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) January 10, 2019
There have been reports that the Nationals have offered Harper more than $300 million, which can’t be that far off from what the slugger is seeking. Harper’s agent Scott Boras undoubtedly wants the richest deal in MLB history for his client, and the largest in total dollar amount is Giancarlo Stanton’s 13-year, $325 million contract. If that’s the number Harper and Boras have their eye on, Washington can’t be that far off.
The Chicago White Sox have also pursued Harper, but it does not sound like they are willing to spend nearly enough. Although the Nationals made it seem like they would not have a chance to re-sign Harper, that is now a legitimate possibility.
