Washington Nationals should not re-enter the Bryce Harper sweepstakes
The Washington Nationals reportedly met with Bryce Harper shortly before Christmas, but they would be wise to let their former star sign elsewhere.
Despite being perhaps the most active team in baseball this winter, the Washington Nationals continue to be linked to Bryce Harper. Although a reunion does not seem likely, the Nats cannot be ruled out until Harper signs elsewhere.
After Harper reportedly rejected a 10-year, $300 million contract extension last September, Mark Lerner all but pronounced the Nats out of the running. Now, it appears that the two sides have re-opened negotiations.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Lerner, Harper, and Scott Boras met in Las Vegas for about five hours the weekend before Christmas. Meetings like this do not occur if a team considers themselves out of the running.
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While the prospect of keeping Harper in DC long-term is intriguing, the Nats would be wise to let their former star sign elsewhere.
The notion that the Nats become a better team without Harper is not quite true, but they are a much more well-rounded team. Their outfield, featuring Juan Soto, Victor Robles, Adam Eaton, and Michael Taylor, still ranks among the best in the league. Meanwhile, money that would have gone to Harper has been spread around to bring in Patrick Corbin, Anibal Sanchez, Yan Gomes, Kurt Suzuki, Trevor Rosenthal, and Kyle Barraclough.
Although the Nats have around $25 million left to spend before eclipsing the luxury tax threshold, they still have a few needs left to fill. In an ideal world, Mike Rizzo and co. would acquire another starting pitcher, second baseman, and reliever. Signing Harper would make this near-impossible. If the Nats feel the need to splurge, Dallas Keuchel would be a better fit.
In addition to not fitting into the current plans, Harper does not fit into the Nats’ future plans. The team already has $544 million committed to four starting pitchers, making cost-controlled position players essential. With guys like Anthony Rendon, Sean Doolittle, and Ryan Zimmerman up for extensions in the next couple years, the Nats can ill afford to hand out another megadeal.
Next. Nats should trade for Marcus Stroman. dark
The longer Bryce Harper remains unsigned, the more likely he is to try to keep his former team involved. However, it may be best for the Washington Nationals to move on.