The end of February is here, and believe it or not, Bryce Harper is still a free agent.
Will this circus actually make it into March?
Here are all of the latest rumors and reports you need to know, as well as a recap of a crazy last week, surrounding the Phillies pursuit of Harper:
Thursday, Feb. 28th - Phillies, Harper "significantly" apart on dollarsSource: Phillies still engaged on Bryce Harper but as of late last night sides still “significantly” apart on dollars. Harper would like to beat Stanton deal.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc)
February 28, 2019 Thursday, Feb. 28th -- Phillies no longer the favorite?
All winter, USA Today's Bob Nightengale has confidently stated that the Phillies would land Bryce Harper. He now appears to be backing off that prediction, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants now upping their offers
The Phillies, considered the heavy favorites all winter, still have the highest offer on the table, but may now be on the outside looking in. They are beginning to wonder whether Harper would sign ever there, no matter how much money they keep offering.
Thursday, Feb. 28th -- Decision coming?
It feels like just yesterday a decision was coming and the Phillies were considered the favorites. Things might have drastically changed, but we might finally be getting answer on where Harper will sign.
...the Giants are realistically hopeful, if not giddily optimistic, that they really will welcome Harper to their clubhouse soon. According to those who have been in direct contact with Harper, he intends to sign with a club no later than this weekend.
Thursday, Feb. 28th -- Phillies still in the driver seat?
Only Boras knows exactly who's offered what for Harper; officials involved are left to guess. Among latest shards of info:1. PHI believed by some execs to still have highest $ offer.2. LAD interest still predicated on shorter-team deal.3. Giants in heavy, unsure of chances.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN)
February 28, 2019 Wednesday, Feb. 27th - Harper discussing 10-year deals with the Giants
The Giants are not positioning themselves as a short-term solution for Bryce Harper. Per sources, the two sides have discussed a 10-year deal. Story: https://t.co/P3fbVWeBLc
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS)
February 27, 2019 Wednesday, Feb. 27th - Phillies believe their chances are "remote"
A source indicates that the #Phillies believe their chances of landing Bryce Harper are remote. The obvious question is whether they would pivot to Keuchel and/or Kimbrel. My sense from our interview with Matt Klentak is that they won’t play on Keuchel and only maybe on Kimbrel.
— Steve Phillips (@StevePhillipsGM)
February 27, 2019 Wednesday, Feb. 27th - Giants met with Harper on Tuesday
Wednesday, Feb. 27th - Three-team race
Who will sign Bryce Harper? (@betonline_ag)Los Angeles Dodgers 2/3Philadelphia Phillies 11/10San Francisco Giants 12/1 pic.twitter.com/WIwn37y3AZ
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP)
February 27, 2019 Tuesday, Feb. 26th - Dodgers a real risk to Phils?
Bryce Harper update: Some #Phillies officials have grown concerned Harper will sign with the #Dodgers if they make an offer that comes close to Philly’s. The ability to play close to home and train in Arizona both appeal to Harper, who is a @Lakers fan. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi)
February 26, 2019 Tuesday, Feb. 26th - Rockies reportedly finalizing an 8-year, $255 million contract with Nolan Arenado with a three-year opt-out clause
BREAKING: Third baseman Nolan Arenado and the Colorado Rockies are finalizing an eight-year, contract extension worth more than $255M, league sources tell ESPN. Deal includes an opt-out after three years, would give Arenado the largest per-year salary of any position player.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan)
February 26, 2019 Tuesday, Feb. 26th - The Phillies aren't the only team offering more than $300 million
Phillies have offered Bryce Harper over $300M but word is others are over $300M, too. they believe they may have high bid but their confidence to win was dented a tad by emergence of LA (a desired Harper spot). Philly has to decide whether to keep faith or dip into the stupid $
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman)
February 26, 2019 there's been serious action among calfiornia teams lately. word is the padres checked back in on Bryce following news of LA's surprise emergence. the giants are also in, and one wonders whether even logical LA's renewed interest was triggered a bit by SF (& their former gm Zaidi)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman)
February 26, 2019 Tuesday, Feb. 26th - Angelo Cataldi reports a three-year opt-out is the hold up on Harper to the Phillies
Monday, Feb. 25th: USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting that Harper's choice is down to three teams -- the Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants. Here is how Nightengale sees the decision breaking down:
Really, it’s quite simple here. If Harper wants the most money, the Phillies are most likely his team. If he wants to go to an iconic franchise that’s close to his Las Vegas home, but doesn’t mind leaving about $200 million on the table, he’ll choose the Dodgers. If he wants to stay out West, but perhaps doesn’t mind playing for a team that’s about to begin their rebuild, and playing in a ballpark that could suffocate his power numbers, he’ll go to San Francisco.
Take out the Giants, for the reasons Nightengale laid out, and it will come down to the Dodgers or the Phillies. When will Harper decide? Nightengale says it will be by the end of the week.
Monday, Feb. 25th - Phillies only team talking long-term deal with Harper
The Dodgers’ reported entry into the Harper mix is interesting as it relates to the Giants’ pursuit, though both teams are believed to be interested only in shorter-term deals. According to a source, the Phillies remain the only team talking to Harper about a true long-term deal.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand)
February 25, 2019 Monday, Feb. 25th - "The Dodgers opportunity might exist if, and only if, the Phillies aren't willing to go over $300M for Harper."
Would Bryce Harper be interested in a short-term, high AAV deal with the #Dodgers?@Ken_Rosenthal discusses the Dodgers reported interest in Harper on #MLBNHotStove. pic.twitter.com/puX4puvkyI
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork)
February 25, 2019 Monday, Feb. 25th - Dodgers willing to explore short-term deal with "monster AAV"
#Dodgers within close range of first $206M luxury-tax threshold. Monster AAV for Harper on short-term deal would put them considerably over, but they are at least willing to explore idea. Worth noting: Biggest guarantee to an outside free agent under Friedman -Pollock at $55M. https://t.co/RQyGbKxJ2j
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal)
February 25, 2019 Monday, Feb. 25th - Dodgers interested in short-term deal with Harper
If Bryce Harper is willing to sign a short-term contract, the #Dodgers are standing by as they met with Harper Sunday night, first reported by @JesseSanchezMLB
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale)
February 25, 2019 Friday, Feb. 22nd - Middleton flies to Vegas
A source in Las Vegas tells me that Phillies owner John Middleton’s plane is on the ground in that city. Vegas is Bryce Harper’s home town. No other details, but talks clearly ongoing.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS)
February 23, 2019
