San Francisco Giants reportedly offer Bryce Harper ten year deal

The Bryce Harper Sweepstakes is heating up, as the San Francisco Giants are reportedly the latest team to offer the former MVP a ten year deal.

At this point, the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes feels like it has taken years to resolve. The Philadelphia Phillies had been the only team known to have offered the former MVP a long term deal, with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers showing interest, but only on shorter term contracts. As Harper was longing for a long term commitment, he seemed destined to end up in Philadelphia.

Yet, to this point, the Phillies have been unable to get former Nationals star to put the pen to the paper. This has allowed other teams to remain in the fray, including the Giants. On Wednesday, it was learned that every team in contact with Harper, including San Fran, has offered him a contract worth at least ten years.

With Harper’s seeming reticence about signing in Philadelphia, other teams may be getting the sense that they still have a chance. To a degree, the Giants would be an odd destination, especially as they are a team at a crossroads. Madison Bumgarner is an impending free agent, the outfield is a collection has-beens and never-weres, and the lineup is in a state of flux.

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However, Harper would be the type of player that the Giants could build around as they look to return to contention. A six time All Star and the 2015 NL MVP, Harper has a lifetime .279/.388/.519 batting line, with 184 homers and 183 doubles over his seven years in the majors.

There are concerns when it comes to Harper’s production. While he has had two seasons with an OPS+ over 150, he has also had three years where he was less than 20% above average, with an OPS+ barely over 110. If he can produce at his career norms, he is a solid hitter, a difference maker in the middle of a lineup that sorely needs one.

For the Giants, Harper would be well worth that gamble. The current depth chart lists Austin Slater, Steve Duggar, and Chris Shaw as the starting outfielders, although a plethora of minor league signings have added to the mix. They have taken the quantity over quality approach, but adding Harper would change the complexion of their offseason.

The San Francisco Giants are willing to offer Bryce Harper a long term contract. They may well come away with the prized free agent.