The Philadelphia Phillies may end up with Bryce Harper after all, as they are reportedly the only team left willing to offer a long term contract.
There is no question that Bryce Harper is looking to get paid this offseason. He had turned down the Nationals ten year $300 million offer prior to free agency, and is likely looking for a deal to exceed that value. After Manny Machado received that exact same contract from the Padres, Harper may have even more incentive to exceed that price tag.
However, it takes two to tango. While Harper may want a long term deal with a value beyond $300 million, there are not many teams willing to meet that price. In fact, according to reports, the Philadelphia Phillies are the only team that still has a long term contract on the table for Harper.
Hearing nothing new on Kimbrel today other than PHI would make offer if they do not sign Harper.
— Paul Crane (@PaulCrane7) February 21, 2019
Also hearing PHI now only ones left offering Harper long term deal.
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It is a bit of a surprise that the market for Harper has dwindled to the point where the Phillies alone are offering a long term deal. There are still teams that have interest in the power hitting outfielder, such as the White Sox and the Padres. The White Sox would seemingly have the money to match Harper’s demands, especially after their own reported offer to Machado. Likewise, there had been rumors that the Nationals wanted a chance to match any offers that Harper received.
Instead, it appears that his market is down to one team. The Phillies, after missing out on Machado, have to make a splash after their declaration at the beginning of the offseason. To fail to land Harper as well would be a disaster.
There are questions as to how much of a fit Harper really is for Philadelphia. As it stands, they have four outfielders for two spots, with Andrew McCutchen the only outfielder seemingly guaranteed a starting role. Adding Harper to the mix would only further complicate matters, at least regarding the logjam in the outfield.
Of course, the Phillies could trade one of those excess outfielders in order to improve another area of the roster. And, their other outfielder, excluding Odubel Herrera, do have minor league options remaining. Yet, the Phillies may not have a choice, with Harper being the final superstar available.
The Philadelphia Phillies may land Bryce Harper after all. If Harper truly wants that long term deal, Philadelphia is reportedly his only option remaining.